I have known I wanted to be a nurse since I was in junior high because I loved learning about biology. I have been working towards this goal for two years by taking college classes in high school. But in early 2023, my grandpa was diagnosed with liver cancer. That shattered my world and at that very moment in time, I one hundred percent knew my dream of becoming a nurse was my calling. I knew wanted to pursue a career beyond a bachelor's degree in the medical field because one day I would work with a patient who either has cancer or has been impacted by cancer. Emotionally, my grandpa’s cancer has brought forth a roller coaster of emotions of fear, sadness, and uncertainty, but also resilience and strength. The impact of my grandpa's cancer has manifested in several ways. My ambition, my priorities and my perspectives are forever changed. Witnessing my grandpa struggle daily through the chemotherapy treatments, chemo acne, the changes in his body and a failed surgery attempt to remove the cancer tumors have led me to a heightened appreciation for how fragile life is and to cherish every moment and opportunity we have in life. I have an urgent desire to learn more about the medical staff that take care of cancer patients. Through my educational journey, there will be opportunities to delve into cancer research at the university and hospital labs. This excites me because I do not want others to go through what I am watching my grandpa go through daily. I have a deep-seated compassion and desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during these vulnerable moments. I want to provide essential care, emotional support and comfort to my future patients and their families. The rewarding nature of nursing paired with the opportunity to offer solace and aid from my own experiences will continue to resonate with my values as a human and a nurse so I can continue to contribute positively to the health and wellbeing of others. While cancer's impact can be overwhelmingly negative, it also has kindled a sense of advocacy and determination. My grandpa has a long road ahead of him and I will be there every step of the way no matter how long or short that path is. These are the very moments that would shape me into the type of nurse caretaker I wanted to be today, tomorrow and in the future.

Education has been very important to me for several years. Since I was very little, my mom would speak to me often about how important education and decisions are in life. She struggled with her educational choices because she did not have a solid goal and wasn’t sure what she wanted to do for a job or where she wanted to go to college. My mom was the product of a high school dropout and graduate. Her parents did not speak to her about her education or career goals. Toward the end of her senior year, she decided to apply to college because that was what everyone was doing. It took her seven years to complete her education and she works in a field that her degree is not needed and ended up with over 60,000 dollars in student loan debt. Listening to my mom speak about her journey over the years put my future into perspective in trying to figure out my educational journey earlier than later in life and realizing how important it was to me. Obtaining a higher education will equip me with the knowledge and skills to pursue my passion in the medical field as a nurse. Through my educational journey, I will have the opportunity to delve into research at the university and hospital labs. This excites me! I can specialize in nursing that resonates with my talents and inclinations. In today’s world, employers seek individuals who possess not only the requisite skills but also critical thinking abilities, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Higher education holds these essential qualities which makes me an asset in the nursing field. Furthermore, higher education fosters a sense of empathy and understanding. By learning about different cultures, histories, and perspectives, I will be enabled to contribute to society throughout my future nursing career. Education does not stop in the classroom; it is a gift that will continue to give throughout my life. Teaching and mentoring are essential components of the educational cycle which provides a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond personal achievement. Through continued education and in my career, I will have the opportunity to inspire others, ignite the same curiosity I have, and contribute positively to the growth of individuals and communities. My goal is not only to obtain my nursing degree so I can help others, but I want to do it with no student loan debt. I want to be able to give 100% of myself to my future patients without the stress and worry of the education costs. Being able to obtain my education without debt will enable me to dive into the deep end and soak up as much knowledge as I possibly can. Education and goal setting is the foundation for my personal growth and development. I am empowered by the knowledge I will gain with higher education, and I am ready to achieve success in my career and contribute positively to society by inspiring and uplifting those around me.