From a young girl in elementary school, to a first-year college student, I have always possessed a strong passion for science and staying focused on my education. Growing up in a small Midwestern school, I remember having influential teachers who were able to devote individual attention to students, which allowed the educators to express their love and expertise for their respective disciplines. In particular, I have very fond memories of my science teacher, who encouraged me to be curious and cemented my love for learning. My science teacher actually had a PhD, but chose to work at my small, rigorous high school so that she could establish individual relationships with each of her students. She was the perfect example of a successful woman in STEM. Her many years of knowledge and deep kindness inspired me to pursue STEM, which led me to the medical field, in particular. I am fascinated by the human body and how it functions. Every process and procedure seems like a miracle or a mystery for me to solve. Additionally, I enjoy working with patients and seeing first-hand how I am changing people's lives. I have spent a few years volunteering in various areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Room, Inpatient, and Labor and Delivery departments. Every day was a learning experience, from removing stitches to administering IVs, or from delivering a baby to experiencing a death. These experiences opened my eyes and gave me the confirmation that this was the correct career path for me to pursue. I am currently attending Augustana University in Sioux Falls in order to receive a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree, with a Biology minor on the side. I recognize the value of education and I understand how fortunate I am to be in this position since many people, including my father, weren’t afforded these same opportunities. My father was born in the Middle East, in a country ruled by a harsh dictator. In third grade, he had to drop out of school in order to work and make money for his family. As a teenager, he was drafted into the army, but fled the war-torn country and escalating conflict, becoming a refugee of war. My father spent seven years in a refugee camp before being offered asylum in the U.S, where he was completely unfamiliar with the language and the culture. He eventually met my mother, became a citizen of the United States, and learned the language and customs of his new country. Growing up hearing my father's story, I was instilled with a sense of determination and the importance of getting an education. On my father’s side, I am a first generation college student. I am making him proud by continuing my education, maintaining a high GPA throughout high school and college, and taking advantage of the opportunities that come my way. These are the stories, influences, and memories that ignite my passion to keep working hard for my goals. My aim is not only to make my parents, teachers, and mentors proud, but also to make myself proud. My passion for science and medicine is as strong as ever, and I hope to touch the lives of many people through my future nursing career.