Nursing is not for everyone, but I knew at a young age that it was for me. Growing up, I was in awe of everything medical--from television shows to ambulances rolling down my street to even going for annual physicals in the doctor's office. I couldn't see myself working a 9-5 or be stuck in an office, let alone being a part of something I was simply not interested in. I could only see myself in one field and I have been on the road since...and that was Nursing. When I got into high school, I got involved as soon as I could; I starting interning at a hospital and got exposed to specialties like Med-Surg, Telemetry, and OB. I fell in love with healthcare, not just with learning so much from nurses but the patient care I was actively involved in. Fast forward to college, I wanted to confirm the vocation I feel I was called to at such a young age. I was a student-athlete who went Pre-Nursing and started on the prerequisites needed right away. Prior to applying to a Nursing program, I wanted more experience to ready myself. I did everything I could including EMT, Phlebotomy, and CNA programs along with working at a medical laboratory and volunteering at the children's hospital I learned that I would soon enough work at. I'm now currently finishing up my final couple of months of Nursing school and working at a children's hospital, along with working a second job at a health department under Public Health Emergency Management. I could literally say I've seen it all and done it all: from EMT clinicals in the ER and out on the field in ride alongs to Phlebotomy clinicals drawing blood from various units and patients to CNA clinicals at a skilled nursing facility to working as a Lab Tech/Processor to seeing the Public Health side working on a specialized COVID-19 Mobile Testing & Vaccine Unit to transitioning from a Pediatric Volunteer into a Peds Neuro CNA. I could have gone into Nursing school right away if I wanted to, but I took the long road and I am so happy I did since it prepared me and ultimately confirmed it all for me as well. Some people take certain career paths for money or for the title; sometimes it is just what was expected from them based on their upbringing. This is where my reason is separated from that. I knew off the bat I was fighting statistics, as Hispanics/Latinas are not commonly viewed or expected of to become a "Registered Nurse"...this made me want to become one even more. I truly believed I was made for this, and now coming up so close to doing so in a few months it just makes it that much more real and emotional for me. Working in Pediatrics for 4 years now as a CNA and 2 years prior to that as a volunteer, I could say that this specialty is where I belong. Caring for babies, children, and adolescents is (not only less intimidating) but also tugs at my heartstrings the most. I still do have a heart for a adults and geriatrics, which is why I love how unique Public Health is, but Pediatrics is just something else for me. All in all, Nursing is special in its own way and has so many avenues one can venture off in. What I love about it is continuous education and eventually giving back by mentoring and teaching others what I've learned/lived since it is a field that will live on forever.

"The Lady with the Lamp", otherwise known as Florence Nightingale, was more than just a nurse. Not only has she been mostly known for making hospitals a cleaner and safer place to be, but she wrote over 150 books, pamphlets and reports on health-related issues. Nursing was not always a respected profession, especially in Nightingale's time, but she faced the adversities it came with. When she told her parents that she wanted to become a nurse, they were opposed to her decision and wanted her to get married and raise a family. Nightingale refused her parents' dream and did not want to settle for what they had set out for her. Eventually it came down to Nightingale going through schooling and making a name for herself in the nursing community by the age of 33. Like the founder of Modern Nursing herself, I find myself with the same motivation and perseverance as I come near the end of my Nursing program. I see Nightingale in myself as I have faced adversities as well, such as being of the <5% Latinx nurses in the Nursing community, a 1st Generation college student, and struggling with mental health issues. Although there have been obstacles in the way on top of stress from Nursing school, finances, and even the pandemic, I have been able to continue on to give 120% by being involved in so much and beat the odds. I am proud to say I have been a part of the Clinical Practice Council, NSNA, CNSA Member/Mentor/Board of Director, Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society, and have accumulated 250+ volunteer hours all within the 2 years of Nursing school. I have enjoyed especially mentoring other students with my knowledge/insight I have gained through experience prior (CNA, EMT, & Phlebotomy programs) as well.

Being happy is something I have always made as a goal for myself. Some might see that as cliché or a goal that is general, but my life is different than others. Being someone who struggles daily with mental illness, I have been able to see how tough it is to maintain happiness let alone have one day where everything is going well. Where I find my happy memories is in God, family, friends, health, education, and hobbies like reading, writing, photography, roller-skating, and singing. Life isn't easy, but who and what you surround yourself with definitely make the difference.

Nursing as we know is definitely not the career choice for everyone (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic), but for me it has always been a passion of mine to pursue. Working through these unprecedented times and the amount of stress/burnout that was conquered, I know that by now I can do anything. This is not to mention that I was not only working in the hospital and out on the field during this time, but was also going to Nursing school in the midst of it all. After completion of my Bachelor's degree in Nursing, I plan on getting into a Residency program right away so that I can start working as a full-time (Pediatric) Registered Nurse. I also plan on continuing my education and getting a Master's degree in Nursing and giving back by taking on teaching at my current Nursing school. I would like to become a clinical instructor to be able to teach students and share my knowledge in Nursing skills and concepts. I love to be involved and I love learning new things, so this scholarship will be a supplement in funds to continue on with the goals I have set for myself and my career! Although it has been tough with working 2 jobs and still not making a sufficient amount to make the right payments for the private university tuition, I am grateful for the opportunities and jobs I have. There is so much networking that comes with both my hospital and public health jobs, that I have options lined up for me when it comes to my career(s). Having so many potential avenues in the Nursing world, I plan on exploring and seeing where I fit best in since there are numerous ways one can go with a BSN and/or MSN in the healthcare setting. Following all this, once being set in my career, I also want to pay this forward. I not only want to help people physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually as a nurse in and out of the hospital, but I want to help people financially. I am big on being grateful for any help (big or small) given to me and thus paying it forward when I myself am stable in funds and can provide that for people like me now. If I am awarded this, that is my future plan and hope to bless other people with all I am capable of. This scholarship will provide so much more to me than just the physical, but the confidence in continuing and pursuing these career and life goals!

Reading and writing have always been my thing aside from being in the healthcare field. This is where journaling for me became not only my outlet but my passion to really express myself in a way that only I can. However, I asked myself how else can I use this but also benefit others? The type of writing I do is something that can definitely be put together in a book format. I have several filled-up journals and for years have been interested in creating my own interactive self-care, creative journal made purposefully for those who not only need to read about how to help enhance their mental health but actively doing it by writing in this personalized book/journal as well. Mental health is of paramount importance to me and I feel the world should capitalize on that mentality as well. Taking care of your mind specifically is just as important as your whole body, which is why I hope I can utilize this grant to take a dive into the start of creating this open door for others as journaling has done for me.

"You're not crazy", I tell myself in my mind, "you just think differently, and that is okay". It's taken my life up until this point in time to say this out lout. Mental illness is no joke, let alone not the easiest thing to live with by far... I should know. I have come a long way and am proud of it. When I was a little girl, I struggled with bad anxiety and depression but not just separation anxiety from my mom like any other kid or feeling sad because I lost a game in recess since I was being competitive. I didn't quite understand why certain intrusive thoughts or feelings would come into mind; as a result, crying and sleeping became my outlets. Being the quiet one at home and at school was both a blessing and a curse. It was nice to keep to myself since my family nor my classmates knew what was going on with me, but also the bad part of it all was they really just did not know what was going on with me. It wasn't until I grew up and experienced certain things such as heartbreak and grieving the loss of family members that I discovered more into what it was I was truly feeling and figuring out how to break through. I had a tough time in high school, I hit rock bottom and life felt like those anti-depressant commercials: gloomy, cold, dark, foggy. Every single day I was stuck in that lifeless screen no matter what I did. I couldn't find any light during school, soccer practice, dance or choir rehearsal. This was truly a nightmare I could not wake up from and I lost it at home; several anxiety attacks a day, depersonalization weeks or even months at a time, just total sadness. I was going through the motions in life at the time. I didn't know how to help myself and it only got worse because I was living with an illness on top of it all I had yet to even know existed. I eventually figured out how to utilize my thoughts and feelings of both anxiety & depression and turn them around, because ultimately the mind is that powerful. I helped myself, proudly without the help of medications or therapists. With the help of God, it was more than possible to grab a hold of my mental illness and use it in my own power. Furthermore, I studied and read on mental illnesses and what to do naturally. I bought books, I watched videos, I took natural supplements, I prayed. There was a light at the end of the tunnel... at last! This is the beginning of my story in becoming interested in Nursing as well. I asked myself, what can I do with the negative in my life (in this case my mental health)? Well, I thought of little Julie and realized there will be more little girls just like me who can use all of what I've learned (and still learning) earlier in their life than later. I plan on potentially becoming a (pediatric) mental health nurse and/or having my own non-profit organization in the future to stand for mental health and break the stigma it all comes with. Mental health is to be of focus more often in children than anything since it all starts with how one grows up. "Life is a fight, but it doesn't have to be battled alone", I say, and I want to express this to children who don't understand yet can be educated early on like I wish I did when I was just a little girl. I have always said that as a future Registered Nurse, that mental health is just as important (if not more) than physical health and I am currently practicing on being a mental health advocate for the children I already work with and will bring that into my profession.

This may not seem like the world's boldest moment, but to me it is. I have lived with mental health issues (especially major anxiety) and have worked with overcoming my fear of heights throughout my life. Right before COVID-19 hit this year, I took a trip to Seattle (one place definitely on my bucket list)! The plane ride was only one obstacle to go through, but the Space Needle was the biggest one of all. So here I am, effortlessly at the top of the Space Needle, with a smile more proud than ever because I did it! 😊 🙌🏻

"You're not crazy", I tell myself in my mind, "you just think differently, and that is okay". It's taken my life up until this point in time to say this out lout. Mental illness is no joke, let alone not the easiest thing to live with by far... I should know. I have come a long way and am proud of it. When I was a little girl, I struggled with bad anxiety and depression but not just separation anxiety from my mom like any other kid or feeling sad because I lost a game in recess since I was being competitive. I didn't quite understand why certain intrusive thoughts or feelings would come into mind; as a result, crying and sleeping became my outlets. Being the quiet one at home and at school was both a blessing and a curse. It was nice to keep to myself since my family nor my classmates knew what was going on with me, but also the bad part of it all was they really just did not know what was going on with me. It wasn't until I grew up and experienced certain things such as heartbreak and grieving the loss of family members that I discovered more into what it was I was truly feeling and figuring out how to break through. I had a tough time in high school, I hit rock bottom and life felt like those anti-depressant commercials: gloomy, cold, dark, foggy. Every single day I was stuck in that lifeless screen no matter what I did. I couldn't find any light during school, soccer practice, dance or choir rehearsal. This was truly a nightmare I could not wake up from and I lost it at home; several anxiety attacks a day, depersonalization weeks or even months at a time, just total sadness. I was going through the motions in life at the time. I didn't know how to help myself and it only got worse because I was living with an illness on top of it all I had yet to even know existed. I eventually figured out how to utilize my thoughts and feelings of both anxiety & depression and turn them around, because ultimately the mind is that powerful. I helped myself, proudly without the help of medications or therapists. With the help of God, it was more than possible to grab a hold of my mental illness and use it in my own power. Furthermore, I studied and read on mental illnesses and what to do naturally. I bought books, I watched videos, I took natural supplements, I prayed. There was a light at the end of the tunnel... at last! This is the beginning of my story in becoming interested in Nursing as well. I asked myself, what can I do with the negative in my life (in this case my mental health)? Well, I thought of little Julie and realized there will be more little girls just like me who can use all of what I've learned (and still learning) earlier in their life than later. I plan on potentially becoming a (pediatric) mental health nurse and/or having my own non-profit organization in the future to stand for mental health and break the stigma it all comes with. Mental health is to be of focus more often in children than anything since it all starts with how one grows up. "Life is a fight, but it doesn't have to be battled alone", I say, and I want to express this to children who don't understand yet can be educated early on like I wish I did when I was just a little girl. I have always said that as a future Registered Nurse, that mental health is just as important (if not more) than physical health and I am currently practicing on being a mental health advocate for the children I already work with and will bring that into my profession.

This is Belle! She's a rescued pup from the Creek Fire that set off this past Fall. My Firefighter boyfriend found her with her other siblings up in the mountains, surviving the high heat and harsh smoke. Belle is currently an 18-week-old Beagle Mix full of energy and always looking to learn new things (she has a few tricks up her sleeve). Having been in survival mode since day one, she shows confidence in all she does and such resilience at just 4 & 1/2 months. She is an adventuring breed mixed with a loving personality! Pup: @belle__lua Me: @jewelsthestudentnurse

It's 2020, a virus has taken over the world, sickness and death surround me daily. This year started out to be what would feel like a nightmare one cannot wake up from. I become so tired... so tired of trying my best to battle life day by day, as though physically wasn't enough let alone mentally. Things change so quickly by the minute. Day by day, week by week, month by month. This is 2020: adapting, overcoming, achieving. My life has changed in many ways since COVID-19 began. At first, it was filled with so much fear and uncertainty due to the little amount of information known about such a new virus let alone how to even go about a pandemic. Working in healthcare really put my mind into perspective and I had to mentally prepare for what I would be walking into when I step into the hospital for my night shifts. On the other end, picking up a second job (COVID testing for a local city health dept.) due to the financial crisis I walked into once this all started, was yet another obstacle to juggle. Working two jobs and beginning Nursing school did not seem ideal since Nursing school alone is a job in itself, but one word came to mind: survival. One thing I have been able to observe in the world and experience/learn within myself during this pandemic is how well one can actually take negativity and changes into a positive by adapting and overcoming (in so little time to say the least). COVID-19 did not give me nor the world any time to truly think about the next move to make in a thought-out plan or how to even execute it. What I can confidently say is this virus pushed us all for the better, showing us the limits we are able to push ourselves past and taking those risks to help us achieve all of which we are capable. Amidst the many lives lost throughout this time (some of my extended family included), helping COVID-19 pediatric patients in the hospital along with going out to test the community for COVID-19 has been priceless since I am a part of making a difference during this odd time in life. Physically, I have adapted. Mentally, I have adapted. How do I see it? There is a blessing behind 2020 because of COVID-19. I would not be where I am at this moment without this pandemic pushing me past my comfort zone. 2 jobs, Nursing school, financial struggles, helping support family, keeping up with physical/mental health, risking my life for others. Tiring? Yeah, can be some days. But, worth it? Absolutely, I wouldn't change a thing. My work ethic, passion in life, family/friend relationships, and physical + mental (even spiritual) health have all been strengthened as a result of how this pandemic has affected me initially. I believe that I am starting to see that around me in the world as well, with each passing day.