I'm a people person is one of the most common things I say when describing myself. My name is Grace Taylor and I am an only child from Eastern PA - more specifically West Grove, PA - and I’ve lived in the same area my whole life. Currently, I am a rising sophmore at the University of Pittsburgh and one of the reasons I chose this school was to move outside of my comfort zone and to learn more about who I am as a person. I’ve always struggled with anxiety, but I think this tells a part of who I am - someone who is sensitive, aware of those around me and empathetic to their needs. Throughout high school, I played on the women’s tennis team and was highly involved in my church youth group. Coming to college I wanted to make sure I was able to build the community that I had while living at home, so I joined the Nursing Student Association, Cru, Hall Council in my dorm and I'm a volunteer for Days for Girls. I chose nursing because of the relationships I’ve seen built through numerous encounters with workers in the medical field - most notably the genuine connection many nurses strive to form when working with patients. Whether I’ve been to urgent care after coming down with a bad cold, Covid-19, or strep throat, or have taken trips to the hospital for broken arms and EKG’s, I’ve always been in contact with the nurses. A doctor is the one diagnosing, or doing the assessment, but the nurses are there, they are always there. They are the ones who ask if you are ok while getting an echocardiogram done, or while a cast is carefully being taken off. They are the ones who help you when you wake up in a dizzy world after getting your wisdom teeth out or making you feel better when getting blood drawn. I see myself being able to be this ever needed connection to patients, someone who helps ease their concerns in times of need. I hope and expect that I can be a support. The medical system and care that I have grown up with is one that not everyone is lucky enough to have. If I can make an impact on someone, help them get better, and give them the care they deserve no matter their income situation, that is my goal.

My story isn’t typical. I didn’t come to nursing after a tragic illness, or a long hospital stay. I always wanted to be a teacher and never truly considered nursing until a year and a half ago when I had to consider what schools I would be applying to and what career I wanted to focus on. I chose nursing because of the people. I chose this life long career because of the relationships built between patients and nurses. And finally, I chose nursing for the impact. I grew up as an only child living in a suburban area with my parents, my two cats, and my dog. I’ve been pretty lucky to never have had any serious illnesses. Whether I’ve been to urgent care after coming down with a bad cold, Covid-19, or strep throat, or have taken trips to the hospital for broken arms and EKG’s, I’ve always been in contact with the nurses. Yes the doctor is the one diagnosing me, or doing the assessment, but the nurses are there, they are always there. They are the ones who ask if you are ok while getting an echocardiogram done, or while a cast is carefully being taken off. They are the ones who help you when you wake up in a dizzy world after getting your wisdom teeth out or making you feel better when getting blood drawn. Even today, after having an atrial septal defect surgery 10 years ago, my dad talks about the nurse who stayed with him his first night in the hospital - how he doubts he would have made it through the night if it wasn’t for that nurse. Nurses will be there through thick and thin - all of it. Growing up, I’ve always been what my mom calls a people person. I’ve always loved talking to others and have never really had “stranger danger.” Other than my parents and family, my closest friends are the people I gravitate towards but I am always open to meeting new people and learning more about them. Nurses are the people I talk about now. Nurses are the ones who you first talk to and the ones who ask you about your life. They build relationships and they work to get to know you even if they see you once a year. Along with the relationship side to nursing, I chose this career because of its versatility. Nursing doesn’t have just one avenue, it has a multitude. Whether I go through clinicals and find a passion for labor delivery, or decide to stick with pediatrics, I will have options available. I’ve always loved kids and wanted to be a mini mommy as I was growing up - carrying around and pushing my baby dolls. More seriously, I’ve seen this side of me stay part of who I am today. I love getting to help my cousins with their children, or babysit the kids in nursery time during church. If I decide that this part of being a nurse isn’t for me in a couple of years, I will be ok. I have the ability to try new fields and will have the ability to work in another specialty. Nurses are special people, and I am excited to see where this career takes me and how it shapes me.

My story isn’t typical. I didn’t come to nursing after a tragic illness, or a long hospital stay. I always wanted to be a teacher and never truly considered nursing until a year and a half ago when I had to consider what schools I would be applying to and what career I wanted to focus on. I chose nursing because of the people. I chose this life long career because of the relationships built between patients and nurses. And finally, I chose nursing for the impact. I grew up as an only child living in a suburban area with my parents, my two cats, and my dog. I’ve been pretty lucky to never have had any serious illnesses. Whether I’ve been to urgent care after coming down with a bad cold, Covid-19, or strep throat, or have taken trips to the hospital for broken arms and EKG’s, I’ve always been in contact with the nurses. Yes the doctor is the one diagnosing me, or doing the assessment, but the nurses are there, they are always there. They are the ones who ask if you are ok while getting an echocardiogram done, or while a cast is carefully being taken off. They are the ones who help you when you wake up in a dizzy world after getting your wisdom teeth out or making you feel better when getting blood drawn. Even today, after having an atrial septal defect surgery 10 years ago, my dad talks about the nurse who stayed with him his first night in the hospital - how he doubts he would have made it through the night if it wasn’t for that nurse. Nurses will be there through thick and thin - all of it. Growing up, I’ve always been what my mom calls a people person. I’ve always loved talking to others and have never really had “stranger danger.” Other than my parents and family, my closest friends are the people I gravitate towards but I am always open to meeting new people and learning more about them. Nurses are the people I talk about now. Nurses are the ones who you first talk to and the ones who ask you about your life. They build relationships and they work to get to know you even if they see you once a year. Along with the relationship side to nursing, I chose this career because of its versatility. Nursing doesn’t have just one avenue, it has a multitude. Whether I go through clinicals and find a passion for labor delivery, or decide to stick with pediatrics, I will have options available. I’ve always loved kids and wanted to be a mini mommy as I was growing up - carrying around and pushing my baby dolls. More seriously, I’ve seen this side of me stay part of who I am today. I love getting to help my cousins with their children, or babysit the kids in nursery time during church. If I decide that this part of being a nurse isn’t for me in a couple of years, I will be ok. I have the ability to try new fields and will have the ability to work in another specialty. Nurses are special people, and I am excited to see where this career takes me and how it shapes me.

The world seems to encounter problems and hardship on a daily bases - from COVID-19 which left many without jobs, to a war in Ukraine, politics, and mass shootings leading to gun ownership debates. Coming out of all of these issues is division. Division is the biggest problem the world is facing right now. When trouble occurs many take the "fend for yourself" method and separate from those that mean most to them. Even the Coronavirus caused us to separate - yes we had to socially distant ourselves for safety reasons, but many took what they needed and beyond, forgetting about the individuals surrounding them. As we confront these battles we allow our opinions to overtake. These opinions - which do make us unique - can lead arguments and separation. In order to combat this ever present issue, it is important to remember that we are not the only ones. We are going through personal and worldwide struggles not alone, but united. We can work to remember that the world struggles as one. Division is persistent and can divide us, but we can come back and keep going. When we present opinion and personal ideas to those around us, its gravely important to think about what we say. How it affects others and will make individuals feel. You can voice what you feel and beg to differ but not in a way that will ruin a day or cause separation in the long run. Our divisions can divide us, but as we come and look overcome, our unity strengthens. Division is a mix of hardship and battle forever a problem to face.

To be honest, it's not always easy to love others - you might get upset at someone or feel like your day is going terrible, and instead take everything out on those around you. But this isn't always the right answer. A huge part of what I've grown up hearing is "treat other the way you want to be treated" AKA the Golden Rule. Now this might sound cheesy but it's something I try to live by on a daily basis. We're all going to mess up, but its important to remember how your simple actions, even a little wave in the halls at school can make a huge impact. When you show love to others, you may be changing their mindset for that moment or for more to come. Writing cards is also another way I help people feel loved. It's sharing something that they did to show kindness towards me, or saying thank you to a gift I've received. I want others to know that their acts of kindness payed off and I truly appreciate them. They aren't just sending another gift given and not appreciated, but something that had an impact on my day. Showing love helps to make the world a happier place.

An important part of our lives is speaking up for ourselves. Being able to share who we are with the world without being afraid of how others will see us and what they may think. Building up the courage to speak our own words can be a challenge. We have to allow ourselves to spread a message and not be scared of the outcome. To take the chance that what we say will have a lasting impact. In order to stay committed and speak my mind, I prepare myself for what I will say - especially in circumstances where I may encounter opposition. When you allow yourself to relax and prepare your mind will settle. You can go into a situation with an open mind and speak from your heart. You aren't focusing just on what issues you may have but instead on how you can be a better person. By looking into what you say, you can prepare your counterarguments and details that uplift your own voice. You don't go in with a pessimistic voice, but instead, one that is willing to listen to others. Speaking your mind is essential for growth. It allows us to grow not only in the now but in the future, and be a better person tomorrow.

Many people might answer this question by talking about the big things - their goals, and dreams for the future. What fuels my life is the little, happy moments, parts of my everyday life that I see in the blink of an eye. I've grown up with my parents instilling in me to "live in the moment," and not worry about what the future will bring, or the trials and hardships of the past. One of the best ways to live in the present is to think about what brings me joy. I am fueled by someone who I've recently met saying hi to me in my crowded school hallways or when I have a conversation with someone who I maybe haven't talked with in a while. The ability to walk at my favorite nearby public garden. Even helping someone in one of the smallest ways when they need it most. Having this gregarious side to me is one of my main motivations to pursue a career in nursing, where I can help individuals on a daily basis. You can find your fuel - your motivation - in a lot of different ways, but I find it in the little moments. The pictures of our lives.