You never realize how life-changing a step out of your comfort zone can be until you take that step. For as long as I can remember, I have strongly desired to help others. To further this goal, I became actively involved with my church, offering support to those in need through food distribution, minor home repairs, and acts of compassion. Nothing was better than seeing faces marked by joy when we knocked on their doors, which fueled my desire only to want more. This experience became a stepping stone for me as I traveled away from home to serve others on a larger scale. At the onset of that next step, participating in the Appalachia Service Project, I intended to help while expecting nothing in return. The homeowner I served, Miss Elizabeth, had recently lost three family members, and while our team was there to construct a new roof, our interactions meant much more. Through the connection formed around a tattered bible verse I discovered in her attic, Miss Elizabeth transformed from not being a "people person" to opening up completely. Our encounter, from a simple verse, led to her being the close friend I have today. This experience solidified my understanding of the profound impact that compassionate care can have on someone's life. While receiving a college education, I am eager to carry forward a spirit of service and plan to take on volunteer opportunities where I will be able to play a vital role in serving those experiencing a crisis. Working as a team to create a network of compassion, I will collaborate with my peers to help those in need in and out of my community. Engaging in this work will enable me to fulfill my profound desire to continue serving others and benefit my community. Undoubtedly, the rewarding feeling of working in this capacity will genuinely make a difference in the lives of others and continue to feed the "nothing in return" mindset I aspire to portray. I believe that connecting with those in need, being a helping hand, and improving the quality of life for others will be life-changing experiences that I will forever honor and cherish. Nursing embodies this mission of service. It's not merely a profession; it's a calling to support others in their most vulnerable moments. The ability to provide not just physical care but emotional support and reassurance is vital in nursing. I am excited to pursue a degree in nursing, where I will gain the skills and knowledge to enhance patient care and foster meaningful connections. Every interaction in nursing has the potential to change lives, just as my encounter with Miss Elizabeth did for me.

Seeing the 229 in bright yellow font brightened my day as my win count increased by one each time I played. Seeing "You win!" at the end of every game left me grinning from ear to ear. Although not real life, iPhone Game Pigeon archery is something I am impeccable at. I have never lost, no matter who I played against. Looking back on my life, I realized it was like a game of archery, constantly aiming for new challenges, adjusting my focus, and striving to hit the target. +4. The black. Orthopedic surgeon. I'll never forget the day when I was wondering where my older brother- Landon- was at summer camp. I was searching for him at the basketball court when I discovered he was rushed to Nemours Children's Hospital a few hours away. He had fallen off of the swing set, breaking three different bones in his arm and dislocating his elbow. I repeatedly attended his visits because I was fascinated with the orthopedic doctors and the engaging environment despite the lurking sadness. The doctors helping the children inspired me, but it wasn't a deep connection, so I decided to re-aim. +6. The blue. Physical therapist. While most people believe that spraining an ankle is a minor injury, I can attest it is not. My case was more severe as I tore several ligaments and was injured for three months. I started attending physical therapy multiple times a week and soon felt like the therapy building was my second home; I even memorized my exercises by the second week. Watching everything the physical therapists completed brought it home that I wanted more. +8. The red. Doctor. I interned at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional this past summer, shadowing various occupations. Starting at different primary care offices, the physicians' tasks lured me in. I truly admired the profession after seeing patients, developing treatment plans, and writing notes. Although I could see myself becoming a doctor, something else caught my eye even more. The target finally seemed in focus, but once again, I re-aimed. +10. The yellow, aka bullseye. Nursing. As I shadowed nurses from different hospital units, I fell in love. The time spent shadowing flew by. I was fascinated by each task the nurses completed and how they cared for and interacted with the patients. As I researched my compatibility for nursing, one nurse described it as a "checklist" of characteristics commonly found in nurses to see if I fulfilled the role. The first thing she said was "detail-oriented." Check. "Loves to spend time with people." Check. "Good sense of humor." Check. "Portrays leadership while working well with others." Check. The list continued as I realized everything she was describing was me. At this moment, I realized that nursing was the target I had been aiming for all along. Finally, I hit the bullseye. Adults have always asked me what I want to be in life, and for a long time, it felt like trial and error. However, embracing this process fostered personal growth and patience. Each experience sharpened my focus on what truly matters: a career where I can leverage my strengths to help others. Exploring my interests to determine my passion deserves the 230th "You win!”