I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. Through my experiences and hard work, I was able to pass my state exam. Meaning I am now a Certified Nursing Assistant, currently working at a nursing home. I also got into the Future Nurses Program in Fresno City College, which only accepts 20 high school students each year. It guarantees automatic acceptance to their nursing program after achieving the pre-requisites and general education. I have been progressing rapidly to my goal in becoming a nurse! In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.

I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. Coming from the central valley where there are small amounts of health care workers, I am inspired to be a change in my community. I want to become a nurse and remain working here in the central valley where the help is needed. I want to create an impact in my community, and help those in need. As well as being the nurse that every patient needs, especially here at the central valley. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.

My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life. Coming from the central valley where there are small amounts of health care workers, I am inspired to be a change in my community. I want to become a nurse and remain working here in the central valley where the help is needed. I want to create an impact in my community, and help those in need. As well as being the nurse that every patient needs, especially here at the central valley. Noticing the limited health care professionals here has motivated me to step in and become part of my community, by working as a nurse in future years.

I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. I have been accepted to a nursing program which I plan to partake in, and pursue a nursing career as a Dialysis Nurse. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.

My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life. Coming from the central valley where there are small amounts of health care workers, I am inspired to be a change in my community. I want to become a nurse and remain working here in the central valley where the help is needed. I want to create an impact in my community, and help those in need. As well as being the nurse that every patient needs, especially here at the central valley. Noticing the limited health care professionals here has motivated me to step in and become part of my community, by working as a nurse in future years.

I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. Coming from the central valley where there are small amounts of health care workers, I am inspired to be a change in my community. I want to become a nurse and remain working here in the central valley where the help is needed. I want to create an impact in my community, and help those in need. As well as being the nurse that every patient needs, especially here at the central valley. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.

I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. Especially in my community, coming from the central valley where there are small amounts of health care workers, I am inspired to be a change in my community. I want to become a nurse and remain working here in the central valley where the help is needed. As well as being the nurse that every patient needs, especially here at the central valley. And ultimately to fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.

I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years. Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life. I also want to become a nurse here at the Central Valley, due to the shortage of health care workers at the Central Valley where I live. Being able to become part of the healthcare field in the Central Valley will allow me to impact my community in positive ways.

I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. With all my hard work and dedication, I was able to pass the state board exam and become a Certified Nursing Assistant. I am currently enrolled in a nursing program that I will soon take part in. Too soon become a nurse to fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.

I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years. Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life. I also want to become a nurse here at the Central Valley, due to the shortage of health care workers at the Central Valley where I live. Being able to become part of the healthcare field in the Central Valley will allow me to impact my community in positive ways.

My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life. Coming from the central valley where there are small amounts of health care workers, I am inspired to be a change in my community. I want to become a nurse and remain working here in the central valley where the help is needed. I want to create an impact in my community, and help those in need. As well as being the nurse that every patient needs, especially here at the central valley. Noticing the limited health care professionals here has motivated me to step in and become part of my community, by working as a nurse in future years.

As I sat by my bedroom window with only the faint flickering of the outside streetlight, completely absorbed into my studies with the sound of far off traffic serving as my backdrop music. The invisible inequality expanded beyond the words visibly in front of me. Looking out at my low-income town, each street in my town filled with potholes that indicated the certain obstacles lying in front of me. Spotlighting the unmatched well-lit paths of opportunity seemingly reserved for others. Living in a small low-income town, resources and opportunities were narrow. In a classroom where textbooks hold the messages of previous students, my hunger for learning knew no end. I saw potential where others saw limitations, discovering strength to mold a different story. As I grew, so did my dream. In the face of economic hardships, I want to prove that even in the most unexpected places resilient flowers can bloom. As I take on overachieving in my academic stances through my high school journey, I carry the proof that education is not confined to the walls of privilege. I continue to set my standards high, and continue to exceed in my studies. Although the amount of courses offered at my highschool is far less compared to other schools, there is potential in thriving in the most unfortunate environments. I have taken advantage of all the given opportunities for extra support for my education, by connecting with my teachers for mentorship. Being able to adapt and seek alternate approaches for learning has guided me through the disadvantages my town faces. Attending tutoring sessions afterschool has altered my adaptability, as well demonstrates my care for education. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.

As I sat by my bedroom window with only the faint flickering of the outside streetlight, completely absorbed into my studies with the sound of far off traffic serving as my backdrop music. The invisible inequality expanded beyond the words visibly in front of me. Looking out at my low-income town, each street in my town filled with potholes that indicated the certain obstacles lying in front of me. Spotlighting the unmatched well-lit paths of opportunity seemingly reserved for others. Living in a small low-income town, resources and opportunities were narrow. In a classroom where textbooks hold the messages of previous students, my hunger for learning knew no end. I saw potential where others saw limitations, discovering strength to mold a different story. As I grew, so did my dream. In the face of economic hardships, I want to prove that even in the most unexpected places resilient flowers can bloom. As I take on overachieving in my academic stances through my high school journey, I carry the proof that education is not confined to the walls of privilege. I continue to set my standards high, and continue to exceed in my studies. Although the amount of courses offered at my high school is far less compared to other schools, there is potential in thriving in the most unfortunate environments. I have taken advantage of all the given opportunities for extra support for my education, by connecting with my teachers for mentorship. Being able to adapt and seek alternate approaches for learning has guided me through the disadvantages my town faces. Attending tutoring sessions after school has altered my adaptability, as well as demonstrates my care for education. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.

Living in a small low-income town, resources and opportunities were narrow. In a classroom where textbooks hold the messages of previous students, my hunger for learning knew no end. I saw potential where others saw limitations, discovering the strength to mold a different story. As I grew, so did my dream. In the face of economic hardships, I want to prove that even in the most unexpected places resilient flowers can bloom. As I take on overachieving in my academic stances through my high school journey, I carry the proof that education is not confined to the walls of privilege. I continue to set my standards high and continue to exceed in my studies. Although the amount of courses offered at my high school is far less compared to other schools, there is potential for thriving in the most unfortunate environments. I have taken advantage of all the given opportunities for extra support for my education, by connecting with my teachers for mentorship. Being able to adapt and seek alternate approaches to learning has guided me through the disadvantages my town faces. Attending tutoring sessions after school has altered my adaptability, as well as demonstrated my care for education. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the healthcare system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those who are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years. Attending clinics in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by assisting Nurses and CNAs, as well as aiding patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple healthcare facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotional and physiological for their well-being.

The movie The Spiderwick Chronicles was my all-time favorite movie as a little girl. The story revolves around a family moving into a new home, and soon the kids realize magical creatures roam the grounds. But the house is protected by an invisible shield which serves as protection to the kids from these creatures. Until the shield breaks and they have no choice but to fight back. In many movies foreshadowing is common, and in this case, this movie foreshadowed my life. For the majority of my life, I felt as if I was hiding behind a shield, fearful of getting out of my comfort zone. As I attempt to step out, various creatures roam around my shield, taking away every bit of confidence in me. Social anxiety has been one of my biggest challenges. It has been holding me back from accomplishing various aspects of my life. It molded me to gain no self-confidence, made it difficult to make friends, and caused me to disconnect myself from the rest of the world. Entering sophomore year I realized that I let many opportunities pass me by and this shattered the shield that surrounded me. I fought through the obstacles and challenges awaiting me on the other side. Resilience was something I never believed I was capable of developing. I began getting involved in extracurriculars and becoming involved in school activities. I joined HOSA and AVID which navigated me towards socializing with others. I became a part of ASB in which I have the role of being the spirit officer. Not only did becoming the spirit officer for ASB assist me with becoming more involved in school, but it allowed me to overcome my fear of public speaking. Obtaining this role motivated me to become a HOSA officer my senior year, in which I became the HOSA historian for my school. This made me realize when coming across obstacles the only way out is by fighting through the barrier. I learned to never stop whenever I get faced with barriers, being able to overcome challenges only makes me feel more capable of doing what I set my mind. Gaining the skill of resilience has motivated me to step out of my shell and be able to explore the world, as well as give me the confidence to put myself out there. This has given me a passion to achieve far more than what I am capable of.

I was never sure about what I wanted to pursue in the future. In 8th grade when I was applying for classes for freshmen year I decided to choose the health academy. I started my first class through quarantine, and I never thought it would create a new passion. My mom also added to that creation, during quarantine my mom became ill. Her kidneys started to fail and she stayed in the hospital for a whole week. Ever since she had to start going to dialysis three times a week. Being there for my mom and taking care of her made me realize that I enjoy helping those in need. As well as my mom's stories she would tell me of how the nurses would make her feel better about herself, and how of a positive impact the nurses have on her. I saw the amount of positivity they brought in her. This encouraged me to stay in the health academy and further my experience in the nursing field. Reflecting on all the years I have been part of the health academy all my high school years. I noticed the amount of opportunities I took advantage of. I joined the Doctors Academy and the HOSA club. In all these extracurriculars I was able to take part in many opportunities regarding the health field. I took part in two internships in Kaweah Health. Where I was able to volunteer in the hospital on the Oncology floor. Not only was I able to get an insight into the healthcare workplace, but I was able to visually see the impact nurses have on the patients. I remember a day in my internship a nurse was gifted the Daisy Award, and the Charge Nurse read out the reason the nurse was receiving the award. In which she said that the nurse had a big impact on the patients' staying time. Not only was it an emotional moment but as well as an inspiring moment for me and others. Nurses are here and I want to become the hero in someone's story. I want to make people feel happy and cared for, and make them feel important. I want to be the change in patients' lives. I plan to solve health issues as a way of preventing future pandemics, by applying standard precautions. Following the standard precautions helps control the amount of microorganisms that spread among health officials and patients. Controlling the number of bacteria in health workforces is crucial in maintaining the health of the workers, and most importantly patients. I would improve more effective precautions to stay sterilized and clean to reduce the number of outbreaks and sicknesses.