As a passionate advocate for civil rights and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, my dedication to the US Constitution is both unwavering and deeply personal. The Constitution has been the cornerstone of our nation's democracy, enshrining the principles of individual rights, equal protection under the law, and the separation of powers. However, in recent years, the rights of minorities, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals, have been increasingly threatened by regressive conservative policies. As a graduate student pursuing a Doctoral Degree in anesthesia in a red state, I am uniquely positioned to champion civil rights through my professional and political involvement. My passion for the US Constitution stems from its powerful role as a living document that reflects our nation's evolving values and aspirations. The Constitution has provided a framework for promoting justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens, enabling our diverse society to thrive. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the importance of protecting the rights enshrined in the Constitution and ensuring that they apply equally to every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. As I pursue my Doctoral Degree in anesthesia, I am committed to using my education and skills to advance civil rights and promote social justice in my field and beyond. In the healthcare sector, I will advocate for policies and practices that ensure equitable access to care for all patients, regardless of their background or identity. I will work to raise awareness about the unique health disparities faced by marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and push for the implementation of culturally competent and inclusive healthcare services. In addition to my work within the healthcare sector, I plan to engage in political activism to champion civil rights and protect the rights enshrined in the US Constitution. By joining advocacy groups, participating in community organizing, and supporting progressive candidates and initiatives, I will work to counter the regressive policies that threaten the rights of minority groups. I will use my knowledge and expertise in medicine to inform my political activism, providing a valuable perspective on the intersection of healthcare, civil rights, and social justice. In the long term, I aspire to leverage my acquired knowledge, skills, and professional network to enact change at the policy level. By engaging in political involvement, I can influence decisions that directly impact the rights and well-being of minority communities. Whether running for office or working in an advisory capacity, I will strive to promote policies that uphold the principles enshrined in the US Constitution, ensuring that every citizen is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. My passion for the US Constitution and commitment to civil rights is deeply intertwined with my identity and experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. As I continue to pursue my Doctoral Degree in anesthesia, I will use my education and professional expertise to advocate for equitable healthcare policies and practices while also engaging in political activism to protect and advance the rights of all citizens. By dedicating my career to the fight for civil rights and social justice, I hope to contribute to the ongoing effort to uphold the ideals enshrined in the US Constitution, ensuring that our nation remains a beacon of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all.

I'd spend it on my tuition expenses, and Anesthesia program's fees and books.

I’ve been a chronic pediatric surgery patient, a trauma patient, and an intensive care unit admission. I’ve endured numerous surgical complications and required repeated invasive innerear surgeries. I’ve ran races, been impaled by rocks, and experienced first-hand the effects of septic shock. While atypical, my path has provided a unique series of opportunities that I feel continue to drive me today in my ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA. Growing up in rural North Florida, my first surgery experience was at best a fleeting memory. At a small county hospital, I remember being wheeled through white double doors and staring blind into white lights overhead…and like that, it was over. What I do recount in vivid detail were the post-op visits and the panic attacks, one after the other, of the surgeons telling my mother, aunt, and I that the surgery had failed, mistook, or warped in some unexpected manner that was less than a five-percent chance. I remember the dread, and the tears. However, after seeking care at Tampa General, each surgery became something slightly different. I remember Dr. Samuels, an anesthesiologist, went remarkably slow, answering every question, revisiting concerns, and carrying a sense of unfettered confidence that even I, a 10- year-old, noted. I remember hearing the voice of my mother explaining how my panic attacks in pre-op, stemmed from previous events of being restrained before sedation, often without any explanation. I remember the calming presence, and the taste of medication. While it would take me many years to articulate the feeling I had in that moment and to build a dream from my following surgeries, studies, and shadowing, I knew that one day I could hope to be in the same position to provide the same sense of care that Dr. Samuels had for me. Years later, after my start at Florida State University, I encountered a very different series of challenges. As with most yielding from the deep South, the confluence of social factors found at college allowed for swift break from my marriage to southern mores. Where I had academically thrived before, after coming out to my family in the first year of school, I no longer benefited from the staunch unencumbered social and financial support of my family. My studies struggled, both from the demand of working full-time and the unique mental strain of being isolated from a previously close-knit family. However, when I look back and sift through all my uncharacteristic decisions and reactions, I found that through my struggle I gained authenticity and later, grit. Upon starting nursing school, I once again thrived. I found where my passions and interests converged, friends that quickly became family, and instructors that felt like parents. I worked tenaciously, and while certainly the subject matters were challenging, I once again found I thoroughly enjoyed learning. Despite commuting three hours daily to class and clinicals, I graduated with honors and haven’t stopped climbing since. I’ve worked hard to become an excellent, autonomous provider. I have developed into a self-starter, educational leader, and mentor for my peers. Being in a leadership role is not always easy, but communication, flexibility, and integrity are key attributes that I have developed as a professional. Despite my professional advances, I kept thinking about my first anesthesia experience. I took initiative to explore educational opportunities, such as attending anesthesia conferences, graduate level coursework, and shadowing CRNAs for fifty hours. These experiences continually re-ignited my passion for anesthesia. My critical care nurse experience has taught me an inordinate amount that will remain with me as I advance in a new career.

I’ve been a chronic pediatric surgery patient, a trauma patient, and an intensive care unit admission. I’ve endured numerous surgical complications and required repeated invasive inner ear surgeries. I’ve ran races, been impaled by rocks, and experienced first-hand the effects of septic shock. While atypical, my path has provided a unique series of opportunities that I feel continue to drive me today in my ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA. With my start at FSU, I encountered a very different series of challenges. As with most yielding from the deep South, the confluence of social factors found at college allowed for swift break from my marriage to southern mores. Where I had thrived before, after coming out to my family in the first year of school, I no longer benefited from the unencumbered social and financial support of my family. My relationships struggled, both from working full-time and the mental strain of being isolated from a previously close-knit family. However, when I look back through the past, I found that through my struggle I gained authenticity, and later, grit. It's through consistent self-reflection I understand so many people have paid it forward by spending countless hours aiding and mentoring me on my journey of becoming a CRNA. I want to pay it forward by being an advocate for the marginalized. I've come from these very communities and this is something I value. I want to help draft legislation protecting LGBTQ patients and their access to healthcare legislative means. I want to help rural populations where surgeries are still significantly delayed. Through my own personal experiences, I'm fueling my urge to pay it forward to others.

I’ve been a chronic pediatric surgery patient, a trauma patient, and an intensive care unit admission. I’ve endured numerous surgical complications and required repeated invasive inner ear surgeries. I’ve ran races, been impaled by rocks, and experienced first-hand the effects of septic shock. While atypical, my path has provided a unique series of opportunities that I feel continue to drive me today in my ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA. With my start at FSU, I encountered a very different series of challenges. As with most yielding from the deep South, the confluence of social factors found at college allowed for swift break from my marriage to southern mores. Where I had thrived before, after coming out to my family in the first year of school, I no longer benefited from the unencumbered social and financial support of my family. My relationships struggled, both from working full-time and the mental strain of being isolated from a previously close-knit family. However, when I look back through the past, I found that through my struggle I gained authenticity, and later, grit. It's through consistent self-reflection I understand so many people have paid it forward by spending countless hours aiding and mentoring me on my journey of becoming a CRNA. I want to pay it forward by being an advocate for the marginalized. I've come from these very communities and this is something I value. I want to help draft legislation protecting LGBTQ patients and their access to healthcare legislative means. I want to help rural populations where surgeries are still significantly delayed. Through my own personal experiences, I'm fueling my urge to pay it forward to others.

I’ve been a chronic pediatric surgery patient, a trauma patient, and an intensive care unit admission. I’ve endured numerous surgical complications and required repeated invasive inner ear surgeries. I’ve ran races, been impaled by rocks, and experienced first-hand the effects of septic shock. While atypical, my path has provided a unique series of opportunities that I feel continue to drive me today in my ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA. With my start at FSU, I encountered a very different series of challenges. As with most yielding from the deep South, the confluence of social factors found at college allowed for swift break from my marriage to southern mores. Where I had thrived before, after coming out to my family in the first year of school, I no longer benefited from the unencumbered social and financial support of my family. My relationships struggled, both from working full-time and the mental strain of being isolated from a previously close-knit family. However, when I look back through the past, I found that through my struggle I gained authenticity, and later, grit. It's through consistent self-reflection I understand so many people have paid it forward by spending countless hours aiding and mentoring me on my journey of becoming a CRNA. I want to pay it forward by being an advocate for the marginalized. I've come from these very communities and this is something I value. I want to help draft legislation protecting LGBTQ patients and their access to healthcare legislative means. I want to help rural populations where surgeries are still significantly delayed. Through my own personal experiences, I'm fueling my urge to pay it forward to others.

I’ve been a chronic pediatric surgery patient, a trauma patient, and an intensive care unit admission. I’ve endured numerous surgical complications and required repeated invasive inner ear surgeries. I’ve ran races, been impaled by rocks, and experienced first-hand the effects of septic shock. While atypical, my path has provided a unique series of opportunities that I feel continue to drive me today in my ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA. Growing up in rural North Florida, my first surgery experience was at best a fleeting memory. However, after seeking care at Tampa General, each surgery became something slightly different. I remember Dr. Samuels, a CRNA, went remarkably slow, answering every question, carrying a sense of unfettered confidence that even I, a 10- year-old, noted. I remember the calming presence, the taste of medication, with what felt like seconds, I remember being in all white room, handed a milky syringe with the offer to "push it", sending me into sleep. While it would take me many years to that moment and to build a dream, I knew that one day I wanted to be in the same position that Dr. Samuels had for me. It's through consistent self-reflection I understand so many people have paid it forward by spending countless hours aiding and mentoring me on my journey of becoming a CRNA. I want to pay it forward by being an advocate for the marginalized. I've come from these very communities and this is something I value. I want to help draft legislation protecting LGBTQ patients and their access to healthcare legislative means. I want to help rural populations where surgeries are still significantly delayed. Through my own personal experiences, I'm fueling my urge to pay it forward to others.

Debt Weaponizing. This is a concept I learned where you prioritize exponentially growing / compounding debt over simple interest debt / linear growing. For example moving a credit card over into another line of credit with a fixed interest rate. This tactic is probably the most simple yet most essential I've ever learned.

I’ve been a chronic pediatric surgery patient, a trauma patient, and an intensive care unit admission. I’ve endured numerous surgical complications and required repeated invasive inner ear surgeries. I’ve ran races, been impaled by rocks, and experienced first-hand the effects of septic shock. While atypical, my path has provided a unique series of opportunities that I feel continue to drive me today in my ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA. Growing up in rural North Florida, my first surgery experience was at best a fleeting memory. At a small county hospital, I remember being wheeled through white double doors and staring blind into white lights overhead…and like that, it was over. What I do recount in vivid detail were the post-op visits and the panic attacks, one after the other, of the surgeons telling my mother, aunt, and I that the surgery had failed, mistook, or warped in some unexpected manner. I remember the dread, and the tears. However, after seeking care at Tampa General, each surgery became something slightly different. I remember Dr. Samuels, a CRNA, went remarkably slow, answering every question, carrying a sense of unfettered confidence that even I noted. I remember hearing the voice of my mother explaining how my panic attacks in pre-op, stemmed from previous events of being restrained, without explanation. I remember the calming presence, the taste of medication, with what felt like seconds, I remember being in all white room, handed a milky syringe with the offer to "push it", sending me into sleep. While it would take me many years to that moment and to build a dream, I knew that one day I wanted to be in the same position that Dr. Samuels had for me. I'm not accepted into CRNA school and on my way to following my dreams.

I’ve been a chronic pediatric surgery patient, a trauma patient, and an intensive care unit admission. I’ve endured numerous surgical complications and required repeated invasive inner ear surgeries. I’ve ran races, been impaled by rocks, and experienced first-hand the effects of septic shock. While atypical, my path has provided a unique series of opportunities that I feel continue to drive me today in my ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA. Growing up in rural North Florida, my first surgery experience was at best a fleeting memory. At a small county hospital, I remember being wheeled through white double doors and staring blind into white lights overhead…and like that, it was over. What I do recount in vivid detail were the post-op visits and the panic attacks, one after the other, of the surgeons telling my mother, aunt, and I that the surgery had failed, mistook, or warped in some unexpected manner. I remember the dread, and the tears. However, after seeking care at Tampa General, each surgery became something slightly different. I remember Dr. Samuels, a CRNA, went remarkably slow, answering every question, carrying a sense of unfettered confidence that even I, a 10- year-old, noted. I remember hearing the voice of my mother explaining how my panic attacks in pre-op, stemmed from previous events of being restrained before sedation, without any explanation. I remember the calming presence, the taste of medication, with what felt like seconds, I remember being in all white room, handed a milky syringe with the offer to "push it", sending me into sleep. While it would take me many years to that moment and to build a dream, I knew that one day I wanted to be in the same position that Dr. Samuels had for me. Years later, with my start at FSU, I encountered a very different series of challenges. As with most yielding from the deep South, the confluence of social factors found at college allowed for swift break from my marriage to southern mores. Where I had thrived before, after coming out to my family in the first year of school, I no longer benefited from the unencumbered social and financial support of my family. My relationships struggled, both from working full-time and the mental strain of being isolated from a previously close-knit family. However, when I look back through the past, I found that through my struggle I gained authenticity, and later, grit. It's through consistent self-reflection I understand so many people have paid it forward by spending countless hours aiding and mentoring me on my journey of becoming a CRNA. I want to pay it forward by being an advocate for the marginalized. I've come from these very communities and this is something I value. I want to help draft legislation protecting LGBTQ patients and their access to healthcare legislative means. I want to help rural populations where surgeries are still significantly delayed. Through my own personal experiences, I'm fueling my urge to pay it forward to others.

I’ve been a chronic pediatric surgery patient, a trauma patient, and an intensive care unit admission. I’ve endured numerous surgical complications and required repeated invasive inner ear surgeries. I’ve ran races, been impaled by rocks, and experienced first-hand the effects of septic shock. While atypical, my path has provided a unique series of opportunities that I feel continue to drive me today in my ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA. Growing up in rural North Florida, my first surgery experience was at best a fleeting memory. At a small county hospital, I remember being wheeled through white double doors and staring blind into white lights overhead…and like that, it was over. What I do recount in vivid detail were the post-op visits and the panic attacks, one after the other, of the surgeons telling my mother, aunt, and I that the surgery had failed, mistook, or warped in some unexpected manner. I remember the dread, and the tears. However, after seeking care at Tampa General, each surgery became something slightly different. I remember Dr. Samuels, a CRNA, went remarkably slow, answering every question, carrying a sense of unfettered confidence that even I, a 10- year-old, noted. I remember hearing the voice of my mother explaining how my panic attacks in pre-op, stemmed from previous events of being restrained before sedation, without any explanation. I remember the calming presence, the taste of medication, with what felt like seconds, I remember being in all white room, handed a milky syringe with the offer to "push it", sending me into sleep. While it would take me many years to that moment and to build a dream, I knew that one day I wanted to be in the same position that Dr. Samuels had for me. Years later, with my start at FSU, I encountered a very different series of challenges. As with most yielding from the deep South, the confluence of social factors found at college allowed for swift break from my marriage to southern mores. Where I had thrived before, after coming out to my family in the first year of school, I no longer benefited from the unencumbered social and financial support of my family. My relationships struggled, both from working full-time and the mental strain of being isolated from a previously close-knit family. However, when I look back through the past, I found that through my struggle I gained authenticity, and later, grit. It's through consistent self-reflection I understand so many people have paid it forward by spending countless hours aiding and mentoring me on my journey of becoming a CRNA. I want to pay it forward by being an advocate for the marginalized. I've come from these very communities and this is something I value. I want to help draft legislation protecting LGBTQ patients and their access to healthcare legislative means. I want to help rural populations where surgeries are still significantly delayed. Through my own personal experiences, I'm fueling my urge to pay it forward to others.