In order for me to convince someone to go to college, I have to become someone who is well educated and respected. I have to be a person that someone would like to look up to. I have noticed that lot of times the people who do not want to attend college either do not have the resources or the inspiration. I will be able to be fully transparent and express my college journey. I will express the reality and benefits of going to college and receiving an education. I will tell them that college is important because it provides all of the critical skills needed to be successful in life. College is not only about making good grades to receive a degree and getting a job but the process shapes the person you become. Learning strategy and discipline by managing and prioritizing goals. As well as, becoming independent and adaptive during college experiences develop tools that are needed in the corporate world. I would preach to them about the importance of developing strong social skills with people from different ethnic backgrounds while in college can benefit them in the long run. Being able to effectively communicate and understand a wide range of people will build strong communication and understanding no matter the career path.

The most recent hardship that I have survived is a domestic violence relationship which resulted in me becoming a single mother. This was the most dangerous and difficult situation I have experienced. Although I am still experiencing hardships throughout this journey I am fighting every day for a better life. I am fighting to overcome feeling defeated and hopeless. With barely making ends meet I promised myself and my daughter that I would go above and beyond to ensure financial security. I know that becoming successful requires education. College is important to me because it provides all of the critical skills needed to be successful in life. To me college is not all about making good grades to receive a degree and getting a job, yes that is the end goal but the process shapes the person you become. I have learned strategy and discipline by managing and prioritizing my goals. I have become more independent and adaptive during my college experience by being assertive and taking on many hats while seeking my degree. I became a mentor and joined an organization whose mission was to give back to the community. I have managed to broaden my social skills and make connections with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. I learned not only from my professors but from my peers. Education has always been my strongest area in life so I decided to pursue my nursing career. Becoming a trusted and respectable leader is what I pride myself most on. It gives me insight into how impactful having an influence on individuals can be. First, I would like to say receiving a degree in the nursing field will strongly support my community by providing personalized care in the medical setting. With me having a strong background in psychology I have learned ways to understand human behavior which in turn has allowed me to fully empathize with people as individuals and not as a class. After completing my degree in nursing I also plan to give back to the community by assisting with resources, coaching, or general advice to upcoming college students. I will use every tool and skill learned throughout my journey to ensure that I can assist anyone who needs help. All in all my daughter will reap the most benefit from my becoming a nurse. It is the security I need to be able to provide for her without worrying about making ends meet.