Several years ago, I found myself selling a business that I had poured so much sweat, time, and tears into. I owned a screen printing and embroidery business and the chemicals that I was using to produce the products that were ordered were poisoning my body. I developed neurological problems and lung issues. For my safety, I decided it was best to let it go. Upon my departure from this adventure, I took some time off while I looked for another source of income I let my body heal. I applied for a job working in an assisted living facility and was offered a job working in the Alzheimer’s and dementia unit there. I never performed hands-on care in this way and was a little nervous about my abilities when I started this job. I quickly found a passion for working with these clients. I loved taking care of my residents at the facility and finding ways to connect with each one of them. We would color, read the new paper, and play games. I knew their personalities and habits and I cared so deeply for their well-being. I remember times when families would visit, and they would ask why their family members would do something for me that they wouldn't otherwise do. I would like to think that it was the trust that was built between us and reassuring the family that it was okay to let us take care of their loved ones. It is such a difficult decision to place your loved one in the hands of another person. Their minds are filled with chaos and confusion, and we were able to provide stability and routine. I was employed at this facility for just shy of a year when my family relocated to another state for my husband’s job. I quickly narrowed in on a job opportunity at the hospital where we moved to and accepted a position in the inpatient Heart and Vascular Unit. I have been employed with them for five years now. This experience has further demonstrated to me that I want to be in a career where I can care for people. I decided to pursue a career in nursing. I am currently enrolled in the Oglala Lakota College of Nursing where I will receive an associate degree in nursing upon completion. When I am finished with my associate degree, I would like to obtain my bachelor’s degree and eventually a certificate as a perfusionist.

Several years ago, I found myself selling a business that I had poured so much sweat, time, and tears into. I owned a screen printing and embroidery business and the chemicals that I was using to produce the products that were ordered were poisoning my body. I developed neurological problems and lung issues. For my safety, I decided it was best to let it go. Upon my departure from this adventure, I took some time off while I looked for another source of income I let my body heal. I applied for a job working in an assisted living facility and was offered a job working in the Alzheimer’s and dementia unit there. I never performed hands-on care in this way and was a little nervous about my abilities when I started this job. I quickly found a passion for working with these clients. I loved taking care of my residents at the facility and finding ways to connect with each one of them. We would color, read the new paper, and play games. I knew their personalities and habits and I cared so deeply for their well-being. I remember times when families would visit, and they would ask why their family members would do something for me that they wouldn't otherwise do. I would like to think that it was the trust that was built between us and reassuring the family that it was okay to let us take care of their loved ones. It is such a difficult decision to place your loved one in the hands of another person. Their minds are filled with chaos and confusion, and we were able to provide stability and routine. I was employed at this facility for just shy of a year when my family relocated to another state for my husband’s job. I quickly narrowed in on a job opportunity at the hospital where we moved to and accepted a position in the inpatient Heart and Vascular Unit. I have been employed with them for five years now. This experience has further demonstrated to me that I want to be in a career where I can care for people. I decided to pursue a career in nursing. I am currently enrolled in the Oglala Lakota College of Nursing where I will receive an associate degree in nursing upon completion. When I am finished with my associate degree, I would like to obtain my bachelor’s degree and eventually a certificate as a perfusionist.

Several years ago, I found myself selling a business that I had poured so much sweat, time, and tears into. I owned a screen printing and embroidery business and the chemicals that I was using to produce the products that were ordered were poisoning my body. I developed neurological problems and lung issues. For my safety, I decided it was best to let it go. Upon my departure from this adventure, I took some time off while I looked for another source of income I let my body heal. I applied for a job working in an assisted living facility and was offered a job working in the Alzheimer’s and dementia unit there. I never performed hands-on care in this way and was a little nervous about my abilities when I started this job. I quickly found a passion for working with these clients. I loved taking care of my residents at the facility and finding ways to connect with each one of them. We would color, read the new paper, and play games. I knew their personalities and habits and I cared so deeply for their well-being. I remember times when families would visit, and they would ask why their family members would do something for me that they wouldn't otherwise do. I would like to think that it was the trust that was built between us and reassuring the family that it was okay to let us take care of their loved ones. It is such a difficult decision to place your loved one in the hands of another person. Their minds are filled with chaos and confusion, and we were able to provide stability and routine. I was employed at this facility for just shy of a year when my family relocated to another state for my husband’s job. I quickly narrowed in on a job opportunity at the hospital where we moved to and accepted a position in the inpatient Heart and Vascular Unit. I have been employed with them for five years now. This experience has further demonstrated to me that I want to be in a career where I get to care for people. I decided to pursue a career in nursing. I am currently enrolled in the Oglala Lakota College of Nursing where I will receive an associate degree in nursing upon completion. When I am finished with my associate degree, I would like to obtain my bachelor’s degree and eventually a certificate as a perfusionist.