All my life I have been in and out of hospitals, whether that be for an appointment of my own or someone else's. I have been able to encounter numerous nurses and doctors that have strongly influenced my decision to become a nurse. Might I add that my mom is a nurse as well! Even more specifically, my grandma passed away a little over 7 years ago from a very rare form of lung cancer, she was 77 years old. This was the most influential part of my decision to become a nurse, but not only was it an important part of my nursing journey but also an important time in my life and my faith as well. There were numerous nurses taking care of my grandma when she was sick, and the love, compassion, and grace that was displayed by those taking care of her was something that I wanted to do for other people who needed it. As an ambitious young girl, I wanted to be the one who would cure cancer and be able to give others life from the very thing that took my grandma's. I later found out that I was maybe not equipped with those skills, but with others that could allow me to be present with those struggling. Ultimately this is what struck my heart to follow into the calling of nursing! I have high ambitions for myself and always have since a very young age. Through my future career as a nurse, I hope to achieve knowledge and a greater understanding of what it truly means to be a nurse. I hope that I can be a light for those in hardship, but also the greatest cheerleader for those in times of joy! My greatest hope is to be able to impact at least one person every day when I put those scrubs on, and walk into that hospital, office, or clinic. I also want to achieve further education. My goal since getting into nursing school was to further my education and become a Nurse Practitioner. There is something about gaining more knowledge and education that tugs my heart. I want to know everything I can about how to be the best nurse, give the best care, and be a blessing to those I care for. In my career, I want others to see the love of Christ through me! Every day as a nurse is an opportunity to display the qualities and values of compassion, grace, empathy, love, intentionality, and professionalism just like Cindy did. I believe that people like Cindy are excellent role models for those like me wanting to pursue nursing as a career. I plan on giving my patients the care and love they deserve no matter what background they have. I want my patients to feel like they are heard and known by those who are providing care. Being intentional in getting to understand your patient and their preferences will not only support your knowledge but also your relationship with them. That is something I have encountered and hope to continue to build on further in my career. I plan on being the hands and feet of Jesus wherever he calls me to be! Cindy's values and traits are not only something to live by but also should be the standard of care that nurses bring into the workforce!