My name is Janelle Joseph, and I am a 17-year-old recent high school graduate. I will be attending the University of Florida this summer as I begin my journey toward earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. What sets my journey apart is that during the last two years of high school, I was part of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, which gave me the chance to begin my nursing career early. Starting clinicals at just 16 years old was not easy. It was nerve-wracking to begin caring for real patients, especially at such a young age. But this challenge only confirmed that I was on the right path. I had to apply to a magnet school with an LPN program back in 8th grade, and though it wasn’t my zoned school, I knew I had to take the risk. That decision changed everything for me. Without that program, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Through the LPN program, I completed clinical hours at Broward Health North. I began in January of my junior year, and I’ll admit—I was terrified at first. But by the end of the year, I grew more confident. By my senior year, patient care became second nature. I performed bed changes, bed pads, helped patients ambulate, administered medications, and even gave injections. These tasks gave me hands-on experience that many students don’t receive until college. Academically, the program also prepared me for college-level coursework. I studied anatomy, physiology, biology, and more—subjects that I’ll now revisit in greater depth. This gives me confidence going into my college classes and future clinical rotations. I’ll also be taking my NCLEX in August to become a licensed LPN, and I am confident I will pass. I've always known I wanted to help people. At one point, I thought about becoming a teacher. But I eventually realized that my passion was in healing—helping people physically and emotionally through health care. Originally, I considered a specialty in oncology, but after researching other fields, I discovered forensic nursing and knew it was the right fit for me. Forensic nursing combines health care with the legal system. I want to support victims of abuse—whether physical or sexual—by providing compassionate care and guiding them through legal processes when needed. This specialty speaks to me deeply because it allows me to be both a healer and an advocate. After earning my BSN, I plan to gain experience as an RN, and then return to school for a master's or doctorate degree to become a forensic nurse practitioner. Nursing is not just about memorizing textbooks; it’s about critical thinking, compassion, and adapting to the situation in front of you. Every patient is different, and sometimes you have to rely on instinct, knowledge, and experience to do what’s best for them—ethically and legally. This journey is far from easy, but I’ve already faced challenges that have shaped me into a stronger, more prepared future nurse. I'm ready for the next step, and I can’t wait to grow in this profession and make a difference in people’s lives.

The Power of Mentorship As I look back on my high school years, I realize that the people who helped me the most weren’t always the ones in charge—they were the ones who cared. Mentors played a big part in my growth. They helped me find confidence, guided me through tough decisions, and reminded me that I could reach my goals, even when I had doubts. Thanks to them, I’m ready for what’s next. My journey started in ninth grade, when I met Mr. Edwards, my science teacher. I was quiet and unsure of myself. High school felt like a big world, and I didn’t know where I fit in. But Mr. Edwards made me feel like I belonged. He took time to help me after class, explained things in a way I could understand, and pushed me to believe in myself. He didn’t just teach science—he taught me how to keep going even when something felt hard. That year, I started to see that I was smarter and stronger than I thought. Later on, I met another mentor, Mr. Barrow. He helped me get into the nursing program at my school. I had always been interested in helping people, but I didn’t know how to turn that into a real plan. Mr. Barrow sat down with me, helped me with my application, and encouraged me every step of the way. He believed I could do it, even when I felt nervous about taking that next step. Because of him, I joined the program and found something I truly love—caring for others. Both Mr. Edwards and Mr. Barrow made a big difference in my life. They didn’t have to go out of their way to help me, but they did. They gave me time, support, and most of all, belief. That belief made me push myself harder. It made me want to prove that I could be someone who makes a difference too. Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening, and helping someone see the best in themselves. It’s about guiding without judging, and lifting someone up when they need it most. I’ve learned that mentors don’t have to be perfect—they just have to care. Now that I’ve graduated, I want to take what my mentors gave me and pass it on. Whether it’s helping a younger student get through high school, or supporting a patient as a future nurse, I want to be someone who makes others feel seen and supported. I want to be the reason someone keeps going, just like my mentors were for me. Mentors like Mr. Edwards and Mr. Barrow helped shape who I am today. They gave me the confidence to believe in my future. I’ll always be thankful for their kindness, their time, and their belief in me. Mentorship changed my life, and one day, I hope to do the same for someone else.

Growing up, I’ve been lucky to have parents who do their best to provide for me and my siblings. If there’s something I want, I know I can ask for it, and if it’s possible, they’ll try to make it happen—even if it takes time. But I also know that sometimes things just aren’t in the budget right now, and I’ve learned to be okay with that. That understanding has helped shape how I think about money and what it means to be financially responsible. I’ve never gone without the things I really needed, but I’ve learned to wait and be patient for things that aren’t urgent. For example, when I asked for something like a new phone or school supplies, sometimes it would take a while. I used to feel disappointed, but over time, I realized that it wasn’t because my parents didn’t care—it was because they were trying to manage money wisely. Watching them budget and make choices based on priorities has taught me a lot. It made me realize that being responsible with money means making decisions that may not always be easy. Now that I’m getting ready for college, financial planning has become even more important. I know that going to college is expensive, and I also know that my family can’t pay for everything. I was so grateful to get a full ride, but I still have to be careful with money since I won’t be working during the school year. I plan to take advantage of financial literacy programs and learn how to budget, save, and plan ahead so I can make smart decisions during college and beyond. In the future, I want to become a forensic nurse practitioner and help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. A lot of the people I’ll work with may also be struggling financially, and I want to be someone who understands that and can connect them to resources. I believe that by having a strong understanding of money and how to manage it, I’ll not only be able to take care of myself but also make a difference in other people’s lives. One day, I hope to be able to help support my family too—whether that’s helping my younger siblings with school or being there for my parents as they get older. I know that financial education will help me make smarter choices so I can build a stable future and give back to the people who supported me. Overall, my personal experiences with money have taught me that you don’t always get everything right away—and that’s okay. It’s not about having everything, but about learning to plan, wait, and work toward your goals. I know that by continuing to learn about finances, I’ll be better prepared for the future I’m building for myself and others.

Becoming a nurse has been my dream since middle school, and over the years, that dream has only grown stronger. However, it wasn’t until I had the chance to experience clinicals at the hospital and practice in the lab that I realized just how much I wanted to pursue this career. Throughout my life, I’ve always been drawn to helping others, but it was these hands-on experiences that showed me the depth of my passion for nursing. Since middle school, I knew I wanted to become a nurse. I was always the person who wanted to help when someone was sick, and I found myself fascinated by how the human body works. I would spend hours reading about health and medicine, and it became clear that nursing was the right path for me. The idea of not only taking care of a patient’s physical needs but also offering comfort and support during a vulnerable time deeply resonated with me. But it wasn’t until I entered high school and began pursuing my LPN program that I started to see just how fulfilling this career could be. My first real exposure to nursing came during my clinicals at the hospital. Walking into the hospital for the first time, I felt both excited and nervous. I was eager to see how the skills I’d been learning in class translated to real-life situations. Working alongside nurses, I observed how they not only provided medical care but also made emotional connections with patients. Whether it was listening to a patient’s fears, reassuring a nervous family member, or comforting someone who was in pain, I saw how nurses played an essential role in the healing process. This experience made me realize that nursing is about more than just knowledge and technical skills—it’s about offering emotional support and making patients feel cared for on every level. Before heading into the hospital, I also had the chance to practice in the lab. In the lab, I learned essential nursing skills like taking vital signs, administering injections, and caring for patients in a controlled environment. Practicing these skills on mannequins and under the supervision of instructors gave me confidence and helped me feel ready to take on real patient care. The lab experiences were crucial in preparing me for the more hands-on work I’d eventually do at the hospital, and they reassured me that I was capable of handling the responsibilities of nursing. In addition to the technical and practical experiences I gained, I also formed meaningful friendships with other students in the program. I realized that nursing is not a profession you do alone; it requires teamwork, communication, and mutual support. My classmates and I would often share tips and advice, discuss challenging experiences, and support each other as we grew together in our nursing knowledge. These friendships helped me feel more confident in my decision to become a nurse and showed me the importance of having a strong support system within the nursing community. Looking back at my journey, from my middle school interest in nursing to my current experiences in clinicals and the lab, I can see that nursing is the path I’m meant to take. I want to be a nurse because I feel driven to help others in meaningful ways, whether it’s through physical care or emotional support. My experiences have shown me that nursing is about much more than just science and technical skills—it’s about building relationships with patients and offering comfort during their most challenging moments. I’m excited to continue my journey in nursing and to make a difference in people's lives.

Mary Eliza Mahoney: A Trailblazer in Nursing When I think of Black leaders who inspire me, Mary Eliza Mahoney is the first person that comes to mind. She was the first African American professional nurse in the United States, and her story is one of hard work, courage, and compassion. Mahoney’s determination to break barriers and help others shows that even one person can make a big difference in the world. Mary Eliza Mahoney was born in 1845, during a time when life was especially difficult for Black women. Many opportunities were closed to them because of racism and discrimination. Despite these challenges, Mahoney worked toward her dream of becoming a nurse. In 1879, she graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children’s nursing program. It was a tough program that only a few students finished, but she succeeded. By becoming the first Black professional nurse, Mahoney proved that African Americans could excel in healthcare even when the odds were stacked against them. Mahoney didn’t stop with her own success—she wanted to help others. In 1908, she helped start the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN). This group gave Black nurses a chance to connect, support each other, and fight for equality in the nursing profession. The NACGN worked to create better opportunities for Black nurses in a field that often ignored them. Mahoney also fought for women’s voting rights because she believed voting was a way to make life fairer for everyone. Her dedication to both nursing and social justice showed how much she cared about making the world a better place for all. Her story inspires me as a high school senior getting ready to start my career in nursing. As a first-generation college student and someone who wants to become a forensic nurse practitioner, I admire Mahoney’s strength and determination. Her story reminds me that success is possible, even when there are challenges. It also motivates me to think beyond my own goals and focus on helping others. Like her, I want to stand up for people who don’t always have a voice and work to make healthcare more fair and accessible. Mary Eliza Mahoney’s life proves that one person can create real change. She broke barriers and opened doors for others, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire people like me. Her courage and dedication push me to follow my dreams and make a difference in the world.

Have you ever wondered what you are meant to do in life? I often think about this, especially as I approach a major step toward becoming a nurse. Born on August 1st, 2007, I didn’t know what life had in store for me. Like most kids, my early dreams were simple. When I first thought about what I wanted to be, I always imagined myself teaching. It felt like the right choice—a way to help children while following a path that seemed clear and straightforward. But as I grew up, I realized my desire to help children reached beyond the classroom. The first time I thought about nursing, I was sitting in a doctor’s office, watching the nurses at work. I saw how much care and compassion they brought to the job. It wasn’t just about taking blood or checking vital signs. It was the way they made me feel—safe, understood, and cared for. In that moment, I knew I wanted to do for others what those nurses had done for me. Nursing offered a different way to help kids, allowing me to care for their health and well-being in a meaningful, hands-on way. In the movie Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton says: “I’m not throwing away my shot.” That line stuck with me because I don’t want to throw away mine, either. I decided to pursue my dream by joining the LPN program at my high school, giving myself a head start on the future I wanted. Now, at 17 years old, I’m in the final stretch of the program I started nearly a year ago. It hasn’t always been easy. There were times I felt overwhelmed and even considered dropping out because it seemed like too much. But every time I wanted to quit, I reminded myself why I started: to help people, especially children. That purpose kept me going, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Being in this program has opened many doors for me. I’ve made friends, learned valuable skills, and gained experiences that will shape my future. It’s a rare opportunity for someone my age, especially as a young woman in a field that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. Nursing isn’t always seen as important by everyone; some people view it as just a quick way to make money. But to me, nursing is so much more than that. Nursing is my way of making a difference. It’s not about the money; it’s about being there for people when they need someone the most. It’s about using my skills and compassion to make their lives a little easier and better. For me, nursing is about pursuing a career that I love, one that many people might not have the chance to live out themselves. As I get closer to finishing my LPN program, I am more committed than ever to this path. I may be young, but I’ve found my passion, and I intend to follow it wherever it leads me. Nursing is my shot, and I’m not throwing it away.

Have you ever wondered what you are meant to do in life? I often think about this, especially as I approach a major step toward becoming a nurse. Born on August 1st, 2007, I didn’t know what life had in store for me. Like most kids, my early dreams were simple. When I first thought about what I wanted to be, I always imagined myself teaching. It felt like the right choice—a way to help children while following a path that seemed clear and straightforward. But as I grew up, I realized my desire to help children reached beyond the classroom. The first time I thought about nursing, I was sitting in a doctor’s office, watching the nurses at work. I saw how much care and compassion they brought to the job. It wasn’t just about taking blood or checking vital signs. It was the way they made me feel—safe, understood, and cared for. In that moment, I knew I wanted to do for others what those nurses had done for me. Nursing offered a different way to help kids, allowing me to care for their health and well-being in a meaningful, hands-on way. In the movie Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton says: “I’m not throwing away my shot.” That line stuck with me because I don’t want to throw away mine, either. I decided to pursue my dream by joining the LPN program at my high school, giving myself a head start on the future I wanted. Now, at 17 years old, I’m in the final stretch of the program I started nearly a year ago. It hasn’t always been easy. There were times I felt overwhelmed and even considered dropping out because it seemed like too much. But every time I wanted to quit, I reminded myself why I started: to help people, especially children. That purpose kept me going, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Being in this program has opened many doors for me. I’ve made friends, learned valuable skills, and gained experiences that will shape my future. It’s a rare opportunity for someone my age, especially as a young woman in a field that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. Nursing isn’t always seen as important by everyone; some people view it as just a quick way to make money. But to me, nursing is so much more than that. Nursing is my way of making a difference. It’s not about the money; it’s about being there for people when they need someone the most. It’s about using my skills and compassion to make their lives a little easier and better. For me, nursing is about pursuing a career that I love, one that many people might not have the chance to live out themselves. As I get closer to finishing my LPN program, I am more committed than ever to this path. I may be young, but I’ve found my passion, and I intend to follow it wherever it leads me. Nursing is my shot, and I’m not throwing it away.