When I look back on the experiences that led me to pursue nursing, one of the most meaningful was my time working as a nanny for a baby girl with Down syndrome. I began caring for her when she was six months old, during my sophomore year at the University of Florida, and continued with her throughout the rest of my time in college. Those years with her shaped the way I see care, growth, and resilience, and ultimately showed me that my passion lies in helping others in a hands-on, meaningful way. When I first started nannying, I thought of it mostly as a job that would support me financially while I was in school. But it quickly became much more than that. I had the privilege of watching this little girl grow, surpass milestones, and build her personality, all while learning how to support her in the best way I could. From feeding her as an infant, to celebrating her first steps, to eventually hearing her first words, I was able to witness her progress firsthand. Each of these moments reminded me of the importance of patience, consistency, and encouragement in caregiving. A big part of my role was accompanying her to different therapies. These appointments opened my eyes to the world of pediatric care and developmental support. I saw the dedication of the therapists, the individualized approaches they used, and the way small steps added up to big progress over time. I learned how important it is for caregivers to be engaged and supportive in those moments, not only for the child but also for the family. I realized that healthcare isn’t only about treating illness; it’s also about helping people thrive in their everyday lives. That understanding was a turning point for me, and it made me start thinking seriously about a career where I could dedicate myself to caring for others. What struck me most during this time was how much joy and meaning I found in the work. Some days were challenging, progress was slow, and frustrations were real, but even then, I knew I was contributing to something important. I found fulfillment in showing up, being reliable, and caring not only for her physical needs but also for her emotional well-being. The bond I developed with her and her family made me realize that I wanted a career where I could form those kinds of connections while also growing professionally. At the same time, my experience with her deepened my sense of empathy and patience. I learned to pay attention to the small details, to listen even when words weren’t there, and to celebrate progress no matter how incremental. These lessons carry directly into the qualities I want to bring to nursing: attentiveness, compassion, and the understanding that every patient’s journey looks different. By the time I graduated from UF, it was clear to me that nursing was the direction I wanted to take. My degree in Public Health gave me a strong foundation in understanding broader health systems, but nannying showed me the personal side of care, the daily dedication, the challenges, and the incredible rewards. In many ways, my time nannying prepared me for the role I hope to play as a nurse. It taught me that caregiving is not just about meeting basic needs, but about supporting growth, dignity, and well-being. That experience gave me the clarity I needed to choose nursing, and it continues to motivate me as I work toward becoming a healthcare provider who is both skilled and compassionate.

I have always been interested in healthcare, but for a long time I wasn’t sure what specific career path I wanted to take. That changed when I combined my academic studies in public health with personal experiences that showed me the kind of provider I want to become. Nursing stood out as the path where I could bring together my passion for health, my desire to connect with people, and the lessons I’ve learned through my faith. My faith has played a huge role in shaping this journey. While I was at the University of Florida working toward my degree in Public Health, I became very involved with UF Hillel. I had grown up Jewish, celebrated my bat mitzvah, and attended synagogue, but in college I developed a deeper connection to my faith and community. After my freshman year, I went on Birthright to Israel. That trip opened my eyes to the importance of Jewish identity and community, and it strengthened my connection to Israel. When I came back to UF, I wanted to give back, so I worked at Hillel as an intern, helping plan the next year’s Birthright trip so others could have the same experience. The following summer, I returned to Israel through an internship program called Onward. For two months, I lived in Tel Aviv and worked at Beit Rivka, a hospital in Petach Tikva. This was the first time I was immersed in a hospital setting, and it was a defining experience. None of the patients I worked with spoke English, which was intimidating at first. I quickly had to adapt, learning how to connect through body language, patience, and empathy rather than words. It taught me the importance of being present, listening, and caring for someone. At the same time, I had to learn to be more confident and assertive. Israelis are known for their directness, and the culture in the hospital was no different. At first, it was overwhelming, but over time I gained what we call “chutzpah”, the ability to speak up, be bold, and advocate for myself and for others. That confidence carried over into the way I worked with patients, asked questions, and learned from the staff. By the end of the summer, I realized that if I could support and care for patients in an environment where I didn’t even share the same language, I could take those skills home and make an even greater impact. It was during that summer in Beit Rivka that I realized nursing was the path I wanted to pursue. After returning to UF, I finished my degree in Public Health, but I knew my next step had to be nursing. My background in public health gave me a broad understanding of the systems and factors that shape health outcomes, but I wanted to be on the front lines of patient care. That’s what led me to pursue my accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Myers. For me, nursing is where everything comes together, my interest in healthcare, my faith, and my desire to advocate for and support others. The values I learned through Judaism, such as community, service, and caring for those in need, are the same values I hope to live out every day as a nurse. My experiences in Israel showed me the importance of being present and confident in care, and I will carry those lessons with me throughout my nursing career.

Living with autoimmune disorders has had a big influence on my decision to go into nursing. Over the years, I’ve had to learn how to manage my health while also navigating the challenges of not always being heard by healthcare providers. There were many times when I felt dismissed or misunderstood, and that taught me how important it is for patients to have someone in their corner who really listens. Learning to advocate for myself was not easy, but it gave me perspective that I want to carry into my nursing career. I want every patient I care for to feel respected, supported, and taken seriously. I started my education at the University of Florida, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a minor in Education Studies. My time there gave me a strong foundation in understanding health at both the individual and community levels. I learned how factors like education, environment, and policy can have a huge impact on people’s health outcomes. That background is something I hope to bring into my nursing career. I see nursing as a way to not only provide direct care to patients, but also to connect my public health knowledge to the bigger picture of healthcare. I am now pursuing my accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Myers. It’s been a big transition, but I feel like it’s exactly where I am supposed to be. Nursing combines the parts of healthcare that matter most to me, human connection, advocacy, and making a direct impact. My long-term goal is to grow into a role where I can care for patients while also helping to improve the systems that support them. I am especially interested in being part of conversations about patient advocacy and nursing leadership, and eventually working to make changes in policy that help patients feel more heard and respected. Outside of academics, I try to stay active in my community and maintain balance in my personal life. I work as a nanny, which not only helps me support myself, but also gives me meaningful opportunities to care for children and families in my area. In my free time, I enjoy being active, playing sports, baking, and spending time with friends. I am also working toward my divemaster credential in scuba diving, which has been both a challenge and a passion of mine. Staying involved and connected to others is important to me, and I hope to carry that same energy into my career as a nurse. In the end, my decision to pursue nursing comes from both personal experience and academic interest. I know what it feels like to be a patient who doesn’t feel fully heard, and I want to change that for others. With my background in public health, my nursing education, and the lessons I’ve learned through my own health journey, I believe I can make a positive impact by being both a strong patient advocate and a dedicated caregiver.