1. One accomplishment that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of myself and others was when my cheer team made it to finals after months of hard work and dedication. At the beginning of the season, we faced many challenges, including learning difficult routines, building trust with the new members, and balancing school, practice, and personal responsibilities. There were many moments when it felt overwhelming and progress seemed slow. However, instead of giving up, our team committed to pushing through these obstacles together. Throughout the season, I realized that success does not come easily. It requires much hard work and dedication. We spent countless hours practicing, perfecting our skills, and encouraging each other to improve. There were times when we faced setbacks, whether it was a missed stunt or a routine that did not go as planned. We used these moments as opportunities to grow. Each practice required disciple, focus, and determination. Over time, I began to see how much progress we were truly making. Once we made it to the national competition, we knew that this was our year. We were going to make program history. We went out on the mat an gave it our all. After much waiting, we found out that we made it to finals for the first time in our program's history. This was not just a moment of celebration for me, but a powerful realization. I understood that out success was not the result of luck, but the outcome of our hard work, commitment, and perseverance. This experience taught me that nothing in life is simply given to you. You have to earn it through effort and dedication. it showed me the important of teamwork and supporting each other. Our accomplishments were only possible because we worked together as a unit. This realization has stayed with me and continued to influence my mindset. I now approach challenges with a stronger sense of determination and confidence, knowing that I have the ability to overcome obstacles if I stay committed. Being part of my cheer team taught me that growth comes from pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and refusing to give up when things get difficult. Overall, making it to finals was more than just a cheer accomplishment-it was a turning point in my personal development. It taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and teamwork. I now have a new understanding that success is earned, not given. This lesson will continue to guide me as I pursue my future goals and face new challenges in the world. 2. I have volunteered for a 5K race for the past 3 years called "Running for Dreams." This organization is run by a friend of mine's dad. The goal is to raise money for children who have lost a parent to cancer. This experience has been deeply meaningful because it has changed the way I view others. Being part of this event has allowed me to contribute to a cause that supports children going through one of the most difficult experiences imaginable. My role in the event may have seemed small, but it gave me a powerful opportunity to witness the strength of a community coming together for something bigger than themselves. While helping at the race, I was surrounded by families, volunteers, and participants who were all united by compassion and a shared purpose. Seeing people run, donate, and show support for these children made me realize how impactful even simple acts of kindness can be. This event was not just about raising money, but about raising awareness and showing these children that they are not alone in their journey. Being part of something so meaningful made me feel grateful and inspired to continue giving back to my community. This experience had a personal impact on me because it made me reflect on my own life and the things I sometimes take for granted. I am incredibly thankful to still have both of my parents, and being involved in this race reminded me not only how fortunate I am, but also how quickly circumstances can change for others. Hearing stories and seeing the emotions of families affected by cancer helped me better understand the emotional and financial struggles that many people face. This event changed the way I think about others by making me more empathetic and aware of the unseen challenges people may be going through. Before this experience, I may not have fully understood the depth of someone else's pain or struggles. Now, I approach others with greater compassion, knowing that everyone is fighting their own battles, even if they are not visible on the surface. Overall, volunteering at "Running for Dreams" was a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, community, and support. It showed me that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference in someone's life. This experience has encouraged me to continue seeking opportunities to help others and to always be mindful of the impact I can have through my actions.

1. Mothers play an important role in the development of one's life. They provide love, guidance, and support. My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing comes from my mother. As a child of a well-accomplished nurse, I have seen the many different things that nurses do: the sacrifices, long-hours, and dedication. My mother is the most compassionate, kind, and hard working person I know. She never does the bare minimum, going above and beyond in all that she does. Whether it was through her work or the way she supported our family, she showed me what it truly means to be patient, understanding, and selfless. Her strength and resilience does not go unnoticed. It is truly an honor to be her daughter. Whenever I talk to her co-workers and friends, they always have the best things to say about her. This has made me realize how powerful and meaningful a career in nursing can be. I strive to continue this legacy and make an even greater difference in the future. Her example has not only inspired my career choice, but it has shaped the values I carry with me every day. I have learned the importance of empathy, strong communication, and truly listening to others, especially during difficult times. I want to be the kind of nurse that makes her patients feel safe, heard, and cared for, just as my mother has done for so many others. By following in her footsteps, I hope to positively impact my community and provide the same level of dedication and compassion that she has consistently shown throughout her career. 2. To me, the phrase "human touch" in healthcare goes beyond physical contact. It represents compassion, empathy, and genuine connection between a caregiver and a patient. It is the ability to treat someone as a whole person rather than just a list of symptoms or a diagnosis. To me, human touch can be as simple as a smile, listening attentively, holding one's hand, or speaking kindly and respectfully. These small, but meaningful actions can make a significant difference in how a patient feels during what could be a vulnerable and stressful time. Human touch can have a powerful impact on patient care because it can help build trust. Building trust is extremely important between a patient and their caretaker. In general, when someone trusts another person, they are more open to talking about issues they are experiencing. If a nurse and patient are able to establish this level of trust, the patient will be more likely to communicate openly and follow the advice of the nurse. This trust can lead to better outcomes in the patients health as the patient will feel comfortable sharing important information about their symptoms, concerns, and needs. In addition, human touch can provide an emotional comfort. Many patients may be experiencing fear, anxiety, or uncertainty when in the hospital environment. A caring presence can help ease these feelings and create a sense of safety. Something as simple as a gentle touch on the shoulder or a calm, reassuring voice can help remind patients that they are not alone. Human touch also plays a role in treating patients with dignity and respect. The principle that every individual deserves kindness, compassion, and personalized care is vital in these environments. When healthcare providers take time to connect on a human level, it can improve the overall patient experience and make the service more meaningful. Ultimately, human touch is an essential part of nursing and healthcare. It is not just about treating an illness hands on but about caring for people. By incorporating empathy, compassion, and a genuine connection into patient care, healthcare professionals can make a lasting difference in the lives they are serving. Human touch is about making an impact in someone's life, not just doing one's job.

From a young age, I have been drawn to helping others. This has shaped my goal of pursuing a career in nursing. As the daughter to a well-accomplished nurse, I have been inspired in what my mother does. She has truly made an impact in her community and everybody who works with her or knows her always has amazing things to say. I strive to continue this legacy and grow in many more ways. I plan to begin my journey as a registered nurse, where I can gain hands-on experience caring for patients and supporting families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Specifically, I would love to work in pediatrics because I have a love for kids and would like to have the opportunity to care for them during important stages of their growth and development. As I continue my education, my long-term goal is to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and become a nurse practitioner. Advancing my education will allow me to take on greater responsibility in diagnosing and treating patients, while also strengthening my ability to advocate for their overall well-being. I am motivated not only by the desire to succeed personally, but by the impact I can make through expanded knowledge and leadership. One of my biggest aspirations as a future nurse practitioner is to make a difference in my community. Access to quality healthcare remains a challenge for many individuals. I hope to be part of the solution by providing accessible, patient-centered care that focuses on both prevention and treatment. I want my patients to be heard, supported, and respected. In the future, I would possibly like to open my own clinic. Here, I can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Owning a clinic would allow me to directly address the specific needs of my community, whether that involves affordable services, promoting health education, or preventative care. I believe that by building strong relationships with patients, I can improve overall health outcomes and quality of life. Ultimately, my career goals are driven by a passion for service and a commitment to making a difference. Through hard work, education, and dedication, I hope to grow from a student into a skilled nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner who positively impacts the lives of others. Growing up, I have heard many stories about my grandfather. My grandfather served in the military and was active in the Vietnam War. While he was not alive to tell me stories, I have heard many through my mother and grandmother. The stories I have heard display discipline, resilience, and dedication to his service. Putting one's life on the line for their community is a commitment like no other. This has inspired me in many ways, but specifically to take responsibility seriously and strive to do my best in everything. His service and sacrifice has given me a deeper appreciation for sacrifice and the value of hard work. Knowing that he faced challenges and overcame them with strength has encouraged me to stay determined, even when things become difficult. In addition, his integrity and respect for others has influenced how I treat people in my everyday life. My grandfather earned two purple hearts during his service, and his ability to overcome this demonstrates his bravery, resilience, and willingness to sacrifice for others. Overall, my grandfather's military service has shaped my values and motivated me to become a responsible, compassionate, and hardworking individual.