Nursing is not just a career path for me—it is my calling. My desire to become a nurse is deeply rooted in personal experiences and the challenges that shaped my understanding of compassion, resilience, and service. Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, I saw firsthand the dedication required to care for others. However, it was my own experiences with loss, hardship, and service that solidified my passion for nursing and my commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. My journey began with personal hardship. My family has endured tremendous loss, particularly to cancer, and I have witnessed the devastating impact of illness on loved ones. Additionally, my father struggled with drug addiction during my adolescence, a painful reality that left me with feelings of guilt and self-blame. Over time, I learned that I was not responsible for his choices, and rather than letting that experience define me in a negative way, I used it as motivation to become a more compassionate person. This taught me the invaluable lesson that everyone is fighting battles we may not see, and as a nurse, I want to provide care that acknowledges both the physical and emotional struggles of my patients. Beyond personal experiences, my passion for nursing was reinforced through my work as a nurse extern in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Here, I have seen the incredible impact that skilled, compassionate nursing can have on critically ill patients and their families. Working in the SICU has given me hands-on experience with high-acuity patients, challenged me to think critically under pressure, and deepened my understanding of the human side of healthcare. Seeing patients fight for their lives, and being able to support them and their families through those difficult moments, has confirmed that this is where I belong. Through my work in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, I hope to provide the highest quality of care while continuously growing in my knowledge and expertise. Volunteering has also played a significant role in shaping my commitment to nursing. One of the most impactful experiences I had was volunteering at a local nursing home, where I provided companionship, assisted with daily activities, and helped prepare snacks and activities. This experience taught me that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses but also about bringing comfort, dignity, and connection to those in need. In addition, I participated in various community service events, such as Breakfast for Santa, Trunk or Treat, Red Cross blood drives, school clean-up days, and walking dogs at the local animal shelter. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of service and reinforced my belief that even small actions can have a profound impact on others. Becoming a nurse is more than just a goal—it is a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly. I want to be a nurse who not only saves lives but also provides emotional support to patients and their families in their most vulnerable moments. I want to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves and treat every patient with the same kindness and dignity I would want for my own family. My experiences—both personal and professional—have shaped me into someone who is empathetic, driven, and deeply committed to this field. Ultimately, I want to be the nurse that my younger self needed—someone who notices others, lifts them up, and provides compassionate care when it matters most. Nursing is not just a career for me; it is my life’s purpose, and I am eager to dedicate myself fully to this profession.

Adversity has a way of shaping people—of molding them into individuals with greater strength, resilience, and purpose. My journey toward becoming a nurse has been deeply shaped by the challenges I faced growing up, particularly my father’s battle with addiction. As a child, I struggled to understand why he was slipping away from me, why our family was fractured, and why I felt responsible for something beyond my control. For years, I carried the weight of self-blame, wondering if I could have done something to change his path. But as I grew older, I realized that hardship does not define a person—how they respond to it does. Instead of allowing my father’s struggles to consume me, I used them to fuel my passion for helping others. His battle with addiction made me keenly aware of the unseen struggles that people carry, reinforcing my belief that every individual deserves kindness, compassion, and support, especially children who are often left to navigate hardships they do not fully understand. This realization led me to pursue a career in healthcare, where I could be a steady presence in the lives of patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. I began actively seeking ways to make a difference, both in my community and in my future career. One of the most impactful experiences I had was volunteering at my local nursing home, where I provided companionship to residents, assisted with their daily routines, and helped organize activities. While this experience primarily involved the elderly, it taught me a crucial lesson—people of all ages, especially those in difficult circumstances, need to feel seen, valued, and supported. This reinforced my desire to work in a healthcare setting where I could provide that same level of care and attention to children facing illness or injury. Currently, I work as a nurse extern in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), where I witness firsthand the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. While my current role focuses on critical care for adults, my long-term goal is to extend my passion for nursing to pediatric care, particularly for children facing serious medical challenges. Whether it be through direct care, advocacy, or community outreach, I want to ensure that no child feels alone in their battle. Adversity has shaped my perception of life in profound ways. It has taught me that while hardships may be unavoidable, the way we respond to them defines who we are. My experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to helping others—especially children who need guidance, comfort, and care. Sarah Eber’s legacy of giving back to children is one I would be honored to continue, ensuring that young patients not only receive medical attention but also the compassion and emotional support they deserve. My ultimate goal is to be a nurse who not only provides lifesaving care but also offers the kind of understanding and kindness that can change a child’s life. Just as adversity shaped me, I hope to be a source of light for children facing their own challenges, showing them that even in the darkest moments, there is hope, strength, and a future waiting for them.

Nursing is not just a career path for me—it is my calling. My desire to become a nurse is deeply rooted in personal experiences and the challenges that shaped my understanding of compassion, resilience, and service. Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, I saw firsthand the dedication required to care for others. However, it was my own experiences with loss, hardship, and service that solidified my passion for nursing and my commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. My journey began with personal hardship. My family has endured tremendous loss, particularly to cancer, and I have witnessed the devastating impact of illness on loved ones. Additionally, my father struggled with drug addiction during my adolescence, a painful reality that left me with feelings of guilt and self-blame. Over time, I learned that I was not responsible for his choices, and rather than letting that experience define me in a negative way, I used it as motivation to become a more compassionate person. This taught me the invaluable lesson that everyone is fighting battles we may not see, and as a nurse, I want to provide care that acknowledges both the physical and emotional struggles of my patients. Beyond personal experiences, my passion for nursing was reinforced through my work as a nurse extern in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Here, I have seen the incredible impact that skilled, compassionate nursing can have on critically ill patients and their families. Working in the SICU has given me hands-on experience with high-acuity patients, challenged me to think critically under pressure, and deepened my understanding of the human side of healthcare. Seeing patients fight for their lives, and being able to support them and their families through those difficult moments, has confirmed that this is where I belong. Through my work in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, I hope to provide the highest quality of care while continuously growing in my knowledge and expertise. Volunteering has also played a significant role in shaping my commitment to nursing. One of the most impactful experiences I had was volunteering at a local nursing home, where I provided companionship, assisted with daily activities, and helped prepare snacks and activities. This experience taught me that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses but also about bringing comfort, dignity, and connection to those in need. In addition, I participated in various community service events, such as Breakfast for Santa, Trunk or Treat, Red Cross blood drives, school clean-up days, and walking dogs at the local animal shelter. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of service and reinforced my belief that even small actions can have a profound impact on others. Becoming a nurse is more than just a goal—it is a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly. I want to be a nurse who not only saves lives but also provides emotional support to patients and their families in their most vulnerable moments. I want to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves and treat every patient with the same kindness and dignity I would want for my own family. My experiences—both personal and professional—have shaped me into someone who is empathetic, driven, and deeply committed to this field. Ultimately, I want to be the nurse that my younger self needed—someone who notices others, lifts them up, and provides compassionate care when it matters most. Nursing is not just a career for me; it is my life’s purpose, and I am eager to dedicate myself fully to this profession.

Nursing is more than just a career for me—it is a purpose shaped by personal experiences, challenges, and a deep desire to make a lasting impact. My passion for nursing stems from both my personal history and my hands-on experience in the field. Coming from a family with a strong healthcare background, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience, and compassion required in this profession. However, it was my own journey—one shaped by loss, perseverance, and service—that truly solidified my calling to become a nurse. Growing up, I experienced the harsh realities of healthcare from a different perspective. My family has endured profound loss, particularly to cancer, and I have seen loved ones suffer in ways that no one should. Additionally, my father’s battle with drug addiction during my adolescence left deep emotional wounds. As a child, I often blamed myself, wondering if there was something I could have done to change the outcome. Over time, I realized that pain can either break us or mold us into stronger, more compassionate individuals. I chose the latter. I now understand that every patient has a story—one filled with struggles, fears, and hopes—and that my role as a nurse is not just to treat their illness, but to truly see them as a person and provide the level of care I would want for my own family. This passion for patient care led me to pursue a career in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), where I currently work as a nurse extern. Working in the SICU has given me invaluable hands-on experience, confirming that critical care is where I belong. I thrive in high-pressure situations that require quick thinking, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to patient outcomes. I have seen patients at their most vulnerable, fighting for their lives after complex surgeries or traumatic injuries. I have stood beside families, offering comfort and guidance as they navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. The intensity of the SICU does not deter me—it fuels me. It challenges me to be better, to learn more, and to develop the skills necessary to save lives and provide high-quality care. Beyond my work in the hospital, my experiences in community service have strengthened my commitment to nursing. Volunteering at my local nursing home was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I provided companionship to residents who had no visitors, assisted in their daily routines, and prepared snacks and activities for them. This experience reinforced the importance of human connection in healthcare. I learned that healing is not just physical—it is emotional, too. Sometimes, something as simple as holding someone’s hand or listening to their stories can make a world of difference. My goal is to become a highly skilled SICU nurse who provides not only life-saving interventions but also compassion and advocacy for my patients and their families. More than anything, I want to make a difference. I want to be the nurse who not only stabilizes a patient’s condition but also comforts their loved ones. I want to bring hope to families in crisis, to be a steady presence in moments of uncertainty. I want to carry on the legacy of the nurses and healthcare workers who inspired me—those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to save lives, offer comfort, and show up every day because they believe in the power of healing. Nursing is not just a job to me. It is a calling, a privilege, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

The journey that led me to nursing was not a straight path but rather one shaped by loss, resilience, and a profound desire to make a difference. My father’s battle with drug addiction during my adolescence left deep scars, ones that took years to fully understand. As a child, I spent countless nights wondering what I could have done differently, blaming myself for something beyond my control. But through time and reflection, I learned that pain and hardship do not have to define a person—they can be catalysts for growth. This realization reshaped my perspective on life and fueled my passion for healthcare. My father’s struggles taught me that no one’s story is simple, and behind every patient is a human being carrying burdens that may not be visible on the surface. Because of him, I strive to be a nurse who not only heals but also sees, listens, and truly understands the people I care for. Despite the challenges I faced, I found purpose in giving back to my community. I immersed myself in service opportunities, eager to be the person my younger self needed during difficult times. Volunteering at my local nursing home was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Many of the residents lacked regular visitors, and I saw firsthand how loneliness weighed on them. Sitting with them, sharing stories, preparing snacks, and assisting with daily routines gave me the privilege of offering companionship and comfort. I realized then that healthcare is more than just medicine—it is about human connection. Those afternoons at the nursing home confirmed what I already knew in my heart: I was meant to care for others. Beyond the nursing home, I found fulfillment in various community service projects. I participated in Breakfast for Santa and Trunk or Treat events, bringing joy to children and their families during the holidays. At my high school, I volunteered at Red Cross blood drives, ensuring donors were safe, hydrated, and comforted as they contributed to a cause greater than themselves. Walking dogs at the Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter gave me a newfound appreciation for advocacy and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves. Through school clean-up days, I witnessed how collective efforts could create positive change in a community. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility—not just to help when needed but to actively seek opportunities to uplift others. Service has shaped me into a person who leads with empathy. I have learned to meet people where they are, to listen, and to understand that a simple act of kindness can be life-changing. Whether it was holding an elderly resident’s hand as they shared a memory from their youth, reassuring a nervous blood donor, or making sure a child felt included during a holiday event, I saw firsthand how compassion can transform lives. These moments reaffirmed my commitment to nursing and my belief that healthcare is not just about treatment—it is about seeing people as individuals with stories, struggles, and hopes. My aspiration to become a nurse is not just a career choice; it is a calling that has been shaped by every hardship I have faced and every life I have touched. I want to be the nurse who provides not just medical care but also emotional support. I want to advocate for the vulnerable, be a source of comfort for families in distress, and create an environment where patients feel seen and valued. I want to be the person who lifts others up. I carry the lessons of my past with me into my future. I carry the resilience I built after losing my father to addiction, the empathy I gained from serving my community, and the commitment to making every patient feel cared for. I believe in being a nurse who not only heals but truly sees people for who they are, beyond their diagnoses or circumstances. My journey has prepared me for this path, and I am ready to dedicate my life to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through dedication, service, and compassion, I will honor not only the legacy of healthcare professionals like Eddie Hankins but also the people who shaped me into the person I am today.