My parents immigrated to the United States carrying dreams they never had the chance to pursue. Education was always one of those dreams. Growing up in a low-income immigrant household, I watched them work long hours to provide for our family while quietly putting their own goals aside so that I could have opportunities they never did. Being the first in my family to attend college means more than earning a degree—it means carrying my parents’ sacrifices with me every day. This past summer, I worked long hours so I could help my parents pay for my education. Every shift reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. I wasn’t just working for tuition; I was working to fulfill a dream my parents once had for themselves but could never reach. There have been moments when the financial pressure and responsibilities felt overwhelming, but those experiences have shaped my sense of purpose. They have taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of giving back. Inspired by my mother’s compassion and strength, I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My goal is to become a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner so I can care for people who feel overlooked or underserved. My journey as a first-generation immigrant and college student has shown me that education is more than a personal achievement—it is a way to honor my parents’ sacrifices and create opportunities for others.

My passion for nursing is deeply connected to my family, especially my mom. Growing up, I watched how strong she had to be while navigating different challenges in life and health. There were moments when she needed medical care, and I remember seeing how vulnerable those situations could be for her. What stayed with me the most during those experiences was the role nurses played. The nurses who took the time to explain things, show patience, and offer reassurance made an overwhelming situation feel more manageable. Seeing the difference compassionate care made for my mom helped me realize how powerful the role of a nurse truly is. Watching those moments unfold made me reflect on the kind of person I want to be and the kind of impact I want to make in the world. Nursing stood out to me because it combines knowledge, skill, and compassion in a way that allows someone to truly support others during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I want to be the nurse who helps patients feel safe, heard, and cared for, just like the nurses who helped my mom. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse then later on become a Nurse Practitioner. I am also working toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) over summer break so that I can gain hands-on experience caring for patients while continuing my education. These experiences are helping me build the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to succeed in the nursing field. Every step I take toward my degree reinforces my commitment to this career and the responsibility that comes with caring for others. The area of nursing I hope to pursue is either medical-surgical nursing or pediatrics. Medical-surgical nursing interests me because it is one of the most dynamic areas of healthcare. Nurses in this specialty care for patients with a wide range of conditions, which requires strong critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt quickly. I admire how medical-surgical nurses coordinate care, advocate for their patients, and play a key role in helping individuals recover and regain their strength. Pediatric nursing is another field that speaks to me because caring for children requires not only medical skill but also patience, empathy, and creativity. Hospitals can be intimidating places for children and their families, and nurses often become the people who help make those environments feel less frightening. Being able to comfort a child and support their family during stressful moments is something that would be incredibly meaningful to me. No matter which path I ultimately pursue, my goal is to provide care that goes beyond treating symptoms. I want my patients to feel respected and supported as individuals. I want families to feel reassured that their loved ones are in capable and compassionate hands. The experiences I had watching my mom navigate healthcare showed me how important it is for patients to feel understood and cared for during vulnerable moments. Nursing is not just a career to me; it is a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. Through compassion, dedication, and continued learning, I hope to become the kind of nurse who makes patients feel the same sense of comfort and trust that my mom experienced from the nurses who cared for her. If I can provide that same support to others, I will know that I am making the impact I set out to achieve.

I still remember the day I watched my mom care for a family member who had just undergone surgery. She was calm, patient, and reassuring, guiding them through recovery with compassion and attentiveness. Seeing her impact on someone in a vulnerable moment made a lasting impression on me—it was the first time I truly understood the profound difference a dedicated caregiver can make. That moment sparked my interest in nursing and planted the seed for my future career. I realized that nursing is not just a profession; it is an opportunity to make a meaningful, tangible difference in people’s lives every day. From a young age, I have been drawn to helping others. Volunteering in my community, assisting with wellness events, and supporting families in need allowed me to engage directly with people from all walks of life. These experiences reinforced my desire to serve others and taught me that effective care goes beyond medicine—it requires empathy, listening, and emotional support. I have worked to cultivate these qualities in myself and hope to bring them to my future patients as a nurse. Academically, I have always been passionate about science and healthcare. Courses in biology and anatomy have deepened my understanding of the human body and how illness affects daily life. I am excited by the challenge of applying this knowledge in real-world settings, combining scientific understanding with compassionate care to improve patient outcomes. Nursing offers the perfect balance of intellectual challenge and human connection, allowing me to continually learn while making a meaningful impact. I am also drawn to nursing for its emphasis on advocacy. Nurses often serve as the voice for patients, ensuring they are seen, heard, and cared for. I admire this responsibility and want to be a professional who can advocate for others—whether it is by providing comfort during a difficult procedure or helping patients and families navigate complex healthcare systems. Through my volunteer work and experiences supporting others, I have strengthened my patience, communication skills, and ability to remain calm under pressure—qualities essential to effective nursing. Finally, I am inspired by the lifelong learning that nursing requires. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and nurses must stay informed about new treatments and technologies. I am excited by the prospect of a career where I can continue growing professionally while serving others. Nursing is not just a career for me—it is a lifelong calling, one that challenges me, teaches me, and allows me to touch lives in meaningful ways. In conclusion, my interest in nursing comes from a combination of personal experiences, a passion for science and care, and a desire to support and advocate for others. I am committed to pursuing this path with dedication and compassion and hope to become a nurse who can make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families, just as my mom showed me the power of care.

My name is Jemmely Rivera, and I am proud to be a “You Got It Girl.” I am a redshirt sophomore at Wheeling University on a rugby scholarship, and I have been playing rugby for 15 years. Rugby has been more than a sport for me—it has shaped who I am today. The discipline, teamwork, and leadership I’ve developed on the field have carried into every part of my life, from academics to volunteering, and it’s fueled my passion to keep striving for excellence. Rugby takes immense athleticism, mental toughness, and dedication. Over the years, I have been recognized for my performance and commitment. In high school, I earned “Back of the Year,” and during my freshman year of college, I was named both “Rookie of the Year” and Scholastic All-American for National Collegiate Rugby. While these honors are meaningful, the true reward has been the lessons I’ve learned about perseverance, resilience, and teamwork. I have also faced challenges that tested my dedication and strength. In September 2025, during the second game of my sophomore year in college, I tore my ACL—a major injury that required surgery on October 14, 2025, and ongoing physical therapy. At first, the injury felt like a complete setback. But I learned to channel my frustration and disappointment into recovery, setting small goals and celebrating every milestone. This experience strengthened my patience, resilience, and mental toughness. I realized that setbacks do not define me; how I respond to them does. My ACL recovery has taught me to persevere and fight for the goals I care about, on and off the field. Someone I deeply admire is my mother. Growing up, she always dreamed of becoming a nurse but put that dream aside to provide for me and support our family. I want to fulfill that dream for both of us. I still remember the day I held my grandmother’s hand as she recovered from surgery. She was scared, in pain, and unsure of what to expect, but the nurse caring for her remained calm, patient, and reassuring. Watching that nurse guide my grandmother through recovery left a lasting impression—it was the first time I truly understood the profound impact a nurse can have on someone’s life. Inspired by my mother’s dedication and that experience with my grandmother, I am pursuing nursing as a career. I want to provide the same care and compassion to others while honoring my mother’s sacrifices and dreams. The values YGIG promotes—resilience, empowerment, and the drive to overcome obstacles—resonate deeply with me. This scholarship would help me continue training at a high level, access the resources I need for competitions, and focus on my academics without added stress. It would allow me to balance my athletic goals with my college education, and continue striving toward my dream of becoming a nurse who makes a real difference in people’s lives. Being a student-athlete has taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Rugby has given me a sense of community, the ability to persevere through challenges, and the confidence to pursue my goals with determination. I am proud to represent my team, my school, and my journey as a determined athlete, and I hope to inspire others—especially young women—to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. I will be proud to call myself a YGIG, and I hope my story shows that through resilience, hard work, and dedication, we can all make a lasting impact in our sport, in our communities, and in the world. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Growing up as the child of immigrant parents, I quickly learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. My parents arrived in this country with little more than hope and determination, facing language barriers, financial struggles, and cultural challenges every day. Watching them navigate these obstacles inspired me to work diligently in school and pursue opportunities that could help me make a difference in the world. Their sacrifices instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility—not just to my family, but to my community and society at large. As a college-bound student, I have carried this sense of purpose into every part of my life. I have embraced challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, from advanced courses in science and mathematics to volunteering at local health clinics and community centers. These experiences have not only strengthened my academic abilities but also exposed me to the struggles many people face—particularly those from marginalized or underserved backgrounds. I have seen firsthand how access to education, healthcare, and support can transform lives, and I want to use my own education to provide those opportunities to others. Being part of an immigrant family has also taught me the importance of cultural empathy and communication. I have learned to bridge gaps between different perspectives, whether helping translate for my parents during medical appointments or mentoring younger students who are adjusting to new environments. These experiences have strengthened my interpersonal skills and have given me a deeper understanding of the ways in which education and community support can empower individuals. I hope to carry these skills forward into my college studies and beyond, using them to foster inclusive environments where everyone can succeed. My goal is to use my college education as a platform to make a positive impact on the world. I am particularly drawn to healthcare and social services, fields where knowledge, compassion, and advocacy intersect. I want to contribute not only through direct service—helping patients or community members improve their lives—but also by working to create systems and programs that address larger societal inequities. I believe that education provides the tools to think critically, solve complex problems, and implement meaningful change, and I am committed to using these tools to help others. Additionally, I hope to inspire others from immigrant and underserved backgrounds to pursue higher education and follow their dreams. I know firsthand how daunting it can feel to navigate systems that were not designed with you in mind, but I have also seen how persistence, support, and opportunity can lead to success. By sharing my story, mentoring others, and volunteering in my community, I hope to show that one’s background does not define their future and that education can be a powerful catalyst for change. In conclusion, my experience as a college-bound student from an immigrant family has shaped not only my goals but also my values. I am committed to using the opportunities I have earned through education to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Through service, advocacy, and leadership, I aim to give back to my community and contribute to a world where everyone has the chance to thrive. The lessons I have learned from my family’s journey—resilience, empathy, and determination—will guide me as I pursue higher education and work to leave a positive mark on society.

I still remember the day I held my grandmother’s hand as she recovered from surgery. She was scared, in pain, and unsure of what to expect, but the nurse who cared for her remained calm, patient, and reassuring. Watching her guide my grandmother through her recovery made a lasting impression on me—it was the first time I truly understood the profound impact a nurse can have on someone’s life. That moment sparked my interest in nursing and planted a seed for my future career. I realized that nursing is not just a job; it is an opportunity to make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives every day. From a young age, I have been drawn to helping others. I volunteered at my local community center, where I assisted with health fairs and wellness events, educating families about nutrition, hygiene, and preventive care. These experiences allowed me to interact directly with people from all walks of life and reinforced my desire to serve others in a meaningful way. I discovered that effective care goes beyond medicine—it requires empathy, active listening, and the ability to provide emotional support. These are qualities I have worked to cultivate in myself and hope to bring to my future patients as a nurse. Academically, I have always been passionate about science and healthcare. Courses in biology and anatomy have deepened my understanding of how the human body functions and how illnesses affect daily life. I find the challenge of applying this knowledge in a real-world setting exciting, and I am eager to combine my scientific knowledge with compassionate care to improve patient outcomes. Nursing offers the perfect balance of intellectual challenge and human connection, allowing me to continually learn while making a meaningful impact. I am also drawn to nursing because of its emphasis on advocacy. Nurses often serve as the voice for patients, ensuring that their needs are heard and that they receive the best possible care. I admire this responsibility and want to be a professional who can advocate for others, whether it is by providing comfort during a stressful procedure or helping patients and families navigate the healthcare system. My experiences volunteering, tutoring younger students, and assisting in healthcare settings have strengthened my communication skills, patience, and ability to remain calm under pressure—qualities that are essential for effective nursing. Finally, I am inspired by the lifelong learning that nursing requires. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and nurses must stay informed about new treatments, technologies, and best practices. I am excited by the prospect of a career where I can continue to grow professionally while serving others. I see nursing not just as a profession, but as a lifelong calling—one that challenges me, teaches me, and allows me to touch the lives of people in profound ways. In conclusion, my interest in nursing stems from a combination of personal experience, a passion for science and care, and a desire to advocate for and support others. I am committed to pursuing this path with dedication, compassion, and a willingness to learn. I hope to join a program that will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and experience to become a nurse who can make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and their families, just as the nurse who cared for my grandmother did for her.

My nursing career will allow me to play a vital role in improving people’s nutrition and overall health by combining patient education, advocacy, and direct care. As a nurse, I will have the opportunity to guide patients in making informed decisions about their diets, helping them understand how proper nutrition impacts their overall health, recovery, and quality of life. Nutrition is a key factor in preventing and managing chronic diseases, supporting immune function, and promoting physical and mental well-being. I want to empower patients to take control of this important aspect of their health so they can live longer, healthier lives. One of the first steps I plan to take as a nurse is to educate patients about the connection between food choices and health outcomes. This includes teaching them how to read nutrition labels, select balanced meals, and incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into their diets. I also plan to provide practical strategies for meal planning, healthy cooking, and portion control, ensuring that recommendations are realistic and tailored to each patient’s lifestyle, cultural background, and personal preferences. By meeting patients where they are and offering guidance they can realistically follow, I hope to make nutrition an achievable and sustainable part of their daily lives. In addition to patient education, I plan to advocate for healthier options within the community. As a nurse, I will work to raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition in schools, workplaces, and local programs. I hope to collaborate with community organizations, dietitians, and public health initiatives to implement programs that provide education, access to healthy foods, and resources for families who may face barriers to proper nutrition. By creating environments that support healthy eating, I can help prevent illness and promote long-term wellness. Another important step is leading by example. I plan to demonstrate healthy eating habits and share my personal experiences with nutrition and wellness. By modeling these behaviors, I hope to inspire patients to adopt changes gradually and see them as achievable goals rather than overwhelming tasks. Ultimately, my goal as a nurse is to support patients in making lasting, positive changes that improve their overall health. By combining education, advocacy, personalized guidance, and community involvement, I hope to empower individuals to take control of their nutrition, prevent disease, and enhance their quality of life. Nursing provides a unique opportunity to impact patients’ health holistically, and I am committed to using my career to help people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I have always been passionate about helping others and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. From a young age, I found fulfillment in caring for family, friends, and my community, and I realized that nursing would allow me to turn that passion into a lifelong career. Nursing combines critical thinking, compassion, and hands-on care, giving me the opportunity to support patients both physically and emotionally. I am drawn to the challenges and rewards of this profession, knowing that every patient interaction provides a chance to make a positive impact and improve someone’s life. My inspiration for nursing also comes from my mother, who is from the Dominican Republic. She always dreamed of becoming a nurse but was unable to pursue that career because she was a single mother dedicating herself to raising me. Watching her resilience, sacrifice, and dedication taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and compassion. Her example has motivated me to pursue my dreams not only for myself but also to honor her sacrifices and to make her proud. Nursing allows me to carry forward the values she instilled in me while contributing meaningfully to the lives of others. I hope to contribute to my community as a nurse by providing compassionate, patient-centered care and by serving as a source of support and advocacy for individuals and families. I want to educate patients about their health, empower them to make informed decisions, and ensure they feel heard and understood during every stage of care. Additionally, I hope to volunteer in underserved communities, participate in health education initiatives, and inspire others—especially young women and students from underrepresented backgrounds—to pursue careers in healthcare. I also hope to mentor and guide future nursing students, sharing the lessons I have learned about perseverance, dedication, and empathy. By giving back in both clinical and community settings, I aim to create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those around me. Ultimately, pursuing a degree in nursing is more than a career choice—it is a calling. It allows me to combine my passion for helping others with my commitment to service, empathy, and advocacy. I am dedicated to becoming a nurse who not only provides high-quality care but also strengthens my community through compassion, education, and support. Nursing is an opportunity to serve others, grow personally and professionally, and honor the values and lessons I have learned from my family and life experiences, all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients every day.

My personal inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing comes from both my own passion for helping others and the example set by my mother. My mom is from the Dominican Republic and always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but as a single mother, she dedicated all her time and energy to raising me. Watching her strength, resilience, and sacrifices inspired me to pursue a path that would allow me to care for others while honoring her hard work and dedication. Her story taught me the importance of perseverance, selflessness, and compassion—qualities that I aspire to embody as a nurse. I have also always found fulfillment in helping people, whether through volunteering, supporting friends, or assisting family members. Nursing is the perfect career to combine this love of service with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. I am drawn to the idea of providing both medical care and emotional support, guiding patients and their families through difficult experiences while advocating for their needs. Additionally, observing nurses in action has strengthened my decision to pursue this career. I have seen how their compassion, professionalism, and skill directly impact patients’ well-being and experiences in healthcare. These examples solidified my belief that nursing is more than a profession—it is a calling that requires empathy, dedication, and resilience. By pursuing nursing, I hope to honor my mother’s sacrifices, serve others with compassion, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of the patients I care for. To me, the phrase “human touch” goes beyond physical contact; it represents compassion, presence, and genuine connection in patient care. Human touch is the ability to recognize and respond to the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of patients. It is about showing empathy, listening attentively, offering reassurance, and providing comfort during vulnerable moments. In nursing, human touch creates trust and connection, which can significantly impact a patient’s overall well-being. Human touch can take many forms in patient care. It may be a comforting hand on a shoulder, a reassuring smile, or simply sitting with a patient and listening to their concerns. These gestures, while seemingly small, have a powerful effect on patients’ experiences. They help reduce anxiety, promote emotional healing, and create a sense of safety and support. Patients often remember the care and compassion they receive as much as the medical treatment itself, and nurses have the unique opportunity to provide both. The impact of human touch is not limited to emotional support; it can also improve clinical outcomes. When patients feel seen, heard, and cared for, they are more likely to engage in their treatment plans, communicate openly about symptoms, and follow medical guidance. Human touch fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, which is essential for accurate assessments, effective interventions, and collaborative care. For me, human touch embodies the core of nursing—it combines empathy, attentiveness, and skill to meet patients’ needs holistically. As a future nurse, I hope to provide this kind of care to every patient I encounter, recognizing that the moments of connection and compassion are just as important as medical procedures. Human touch is a reminder that nursing is not just about treating illness but about caring for people as whole human beings, supporting their physical, emotional, and mental well-being in every interaction. Thank you for your time and consideration!

The person who has profoundly impacted my life and helped me realize my full potential is my mother. She is from the Dominican Republic, and as a single mother, she devoted all of her time, energy, and resources to raising me and giving me opportunities she never had for herself. My mom always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but she was unable to pursue that career because she had to focus on supporting me and ensuring I had the best possible future. Watching her balance work, responsibilities, and parenthood with incredible resilience and determination has been one of the greatest lessons of my life. Her strength and perseverance have inspired me to push myself, believe in my abilities, and strive for my goals with the same level of dedication. My mother’s sacrifices taught me the importance of hard work, patience, and selflessness. Growing up, I saw how much she had to give up for my well-being, and it made me recognize that opportunities are often the result of effort, persistence, and resilience. Her example showed me that challenges are not obstacles to stop us, but opportunities to grow and achieve more than we might have thought possible. Through her actions, she encouraged me to aim high, believe in myself, and take responsibility for shaping my own future. She instilled in me the confidence and drive I needed to realize my potential, both academically and personally. Because of her guidance, I discovered my passion for helping others. I have always found fulfillment in serving my community, volunteering, and supporting others in any way I can. Nursing became a natural path for me because it allows me to combine my desire to care for people with a meaningful career where I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Knowing my mom’s unfulfilled dream also motivates me to pursue this goal not only for myself, but as a way to honor her sacrifices and dedication. Every step I take in my education and clinical experiences is inspired by her example, reminding me of the value of resilience, compassion, and determination. Through my mother’s influence, I have grown into a motivated, compassionate, and hardworking individual. Her guidance has shaped my character and given me the confidence to pursue my dreams despite obstacles, such as balancing work and school or facing challenges in my personal and academic life. I want to honor her sacrifices by achieving my goals, making her proud, and using the lessons she has taught me to positively impact the lives of others. My mother’s influence continues to inspire me every day, reminding me of the power of dedication, love, and resilience in realizing one’s full potential.

The moment I knew I wanted to be a nurse came from watching my mother’s sacrifices and realizing how much I loved helping others. My mom, who is from the Dominican Republic, always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but as a single mother, she devoted all her time and energy to providing for me, putting her own goals on hold. Growing up, I witnessed her strength, resilience, and dedication firsthand, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps—not just to pursue a career I love, but also to honor the hard work and values she instilled in me. I discovered my own passion for helping others through volunteering and everyday experiences, whether it was assisting family, friends, or members of my community. I realized that caring for others brings me fulfillment, and nursing is the perfect way to combine that love of service with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. My mom’s story and my own experiences inspired me to pursue a career that allows me to provide support, comfort, and advocacy for others while also making her proud. This moment solidified my decision to become a nurse. For me, nursing is more than a career—it is a way to show compassion, empathy, and dedication in action. I am motivated to be a nurse who listens to patients, advocates for their needs, and cares for them with professionalism and understanding. My Caribbean heritage, my mom’s resilience, and the values she passed down continue to guide me as I work toward this goal. I hope to honor her sacrifices by becoming a nurse who not only delivers excellent care but also embodies the strength, dedication, and compassion she showed me every day.

I have been playing rugby for 12 years, beginning in elementary school and continuing through middle school, high school, and now college. During my early years, I played for my school teams and for the Charlotte Tigress, where I learned the fundamentals of the sport, the importance of teamwork, and the value of perseverance. In high school, I played for the Charlotte Cardinals, where I further developed my skills while competing at a higher level and learning to balance athletics with academics. Now, I am proud to play Division I rugby at Wheeling University, where I continue to challenge myself as an athlete and grow as a teammate and leader. Playing rugby has profoundly influenced my character. The sport is both physically and mentally demanding, requiring discipline, resilience, and focus. Over the years, I have faced challenges such as high-pressure games, intense practices, and setbacks like an ACL tear that sidelined me during my sophomore year. Being unable to play was one of the most difficult moments of my rugby journey, but it taught me patience, determination, and the value of perseverance. During my recovery, my teammates’ support reminded me that rugby family is about more than just being on the field—it is about being part of a community that stands by each other through every challenge. Through rugby, I have grown tremendously as a player and as a person. I previously played inside center, a position that required communication, quick decision-making, and leadership. Now, I am transitioning to wing, which challenges me to adapt and learn new skills while continuing to contribute to the team’s success. Rugby has taught me how to be flexible, coachable, and confident in my abilities. It has also helped me develop leadership qualities, as I have learned how to motivate teammates, build trust, and lead by example both on and off the field. Beyond the physical skills, rugby has strengthened my character by teaching accountability, empathy, and teamwork. It has shown me how to persevere through adversity, celebrate collective achievements, and maintain a strong work ethic. Playing for multiple teams—school teams, the Charlotte Tigress and Cardinals, and now Wheeling University—has given me perspective on dedication, community, and growth. Rugby is more than just a sport for me; it is a source of personal growth, resilience, and lifelong connections. It has shaped who I am today and continues to inspire me to push myself, support my teammates, and strive for excellence. I am excited to continue my rugby journey in college, contributing to my team, developing my skills, and being part of a community that feels like family.

To me, “rugby family” means being part of something that goes far beyond the game itself. After playing rugby for 12 years, I have learned that it is not just about competition—it is about the relationships, trust, and support that are built along the way. Rugby creates a bond between teammates that is different from any other sport. It requires communication, resilience, and the ability to rely on one another in both physically and mentally demanding situations. Over time, those shared experiences turn teammates into a true family. This meaning became even more important to me after I tore my ACL and was sidelined for my sophomore year. Being unable to play was one of the hardest challenges I have faced, especially after dedicating so many years to the sport. I went from being on the field every game to watching from the sidelines, which tested me both physically and emotionally. However, during that time, my team continued to support and include me, reminding me that I was still part of the team regardless of my injury. That experience showed me that rugby family is not just about playing together—it is about standing by each other through adversity. It strengthened my appreciation for the sport and made me even more determined to come back stronger. Before my injury, I played inside center, a position that required strong communication, quick decision-making, and leadership on the field. As I return, I am transitioning to wing, which challenges me to adapt and grow in new ways. Although this change pushes me outside of my comfort zone, it also excites me because it gives me the opportunity to develop new skills and continue evolving as a player. Rugby has taught me how to face challenges head-on, stay disciplined, and never give up, even when setbacks occur. My hope for playing rugby in college is to continue growing not only as an athlete but also as a person. I want to contribute to a team that values hard work, resilience, and unity. I hope to bring my experience, determination, and positive attitude to my team while continuing to learn from my coaches and teammates. Most importantly, I want to be someone who contributes to that sense of “rugby family,” supporting others just as I have been supported. Rugby has shaped my character in ways that go far beyond the field. Even through injury, it has strengthened my passion and commitment to the sport. I am excited for the opportunity to return, embrace new challenges, and continue being part of a community that feels like home.

The moment I realized I wanted to become a nurse was shaped by both my own experiences and my mother’s story. My mom always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but she was unable to pursue that career because she was a single mother doing everything she could to provide for me. Watching her work hard, sacrifice, and put my needs before her own taught me the true meaning of dedication and strength. At the same time, I discovered my own passion for helping others. Those two influences came together and inspired me to pursue nursing—not only for myself, but also to honor my mom and make her proud of everything she has done to get me where I am today. I am currently a nursing student at Wheeling University with a 3.6 GPA, and I am committed to working hard toward my goal of becoming a nurse. Balancing school and work has not been easy, but it has strengthened my time management, discipline, and resilience. These challenges have pushed me to stay focused and motivated, reminding me that my hard work is not only for my future, but also a reflection of my mother’s sacrifices and dedication. My life experiences have shaped my passion for nursing by teaching me the importance of empathy, patience, and compassion. Through working and interacting with others, I have seen how meaningful it is to truly listen and support people, especially during stressful or difficult times. I have learned that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have the biggest impact. These experiences have prepared me to become a nurse who not only provides care but also builds trust and comfort with patients and their families. I am especially interested in medical-surgical nursing because it allows me to care for a diverse range of patients while continuing to grow my clinical skills and critical thinking. I am drawn to the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to make a direct difference in patient outcomes. I want to be a nurse who is not only knowledgeable and dependable but also compassionate and supportive. Becoming a nurse is more than just a career choice for me—it is a purpose. I am pursuing this path for myself and for my mom, who showed me what it means to work hard and never give up. I am determined to make a positive impact in healthcare and to become a nurse who reflects the strength, dedication, and compassion that she has always shown me.