Much like your description, I want to care for all living beings, being an advocate through both work and life, no matter if you’re small, big, vegetarian, winged, etc. This is something I'm passionate about because I want people to understand animals and I feel like it's undoubtably the right thing to do. I was actually brutally attacked by my Neapolitan Mastiff when I was 16 years old. She was 120lbs at 1 year old, they're unpredictable and with that size can be dangerous, I got over a hundred stitches in and on my face, "they" took her from us and that was the devastating part. In no way could I blame her. She was a baby, she didn't know better. I grew up with big dogs, always aware of their size and to be respectful… much like humans. The difference is taking the time to learn and understand them, we don’t speak the same language so it’s a commitment and much deserved from our friends who are willing to love us unconditionally. It’s a very similar process in human healthcare and I wish to educate that to others. It took me about a year to be fully comfortable around larger dogs, but that process was the same as any rehab; patience, respect, acceptance, and thanks to my girl, Cookie. A rescue off an abandoned ranch, a 90lb Rottweiler, and my best friend. I took her everywhere, if you knew me you knew my better half, Cookie. It was almost fate to meet a dog like her after an instance like mine. That dog pulled me out of a funk and I like to think I pulled her out of a funk. She was underweight, terrified of cars, hated water, and not very playful. Originally my mom's dog I came back from college and slowly started helping her gain confidence. We listened to music in the backseat to get over our fear of cars, we learned to play and somehow she still knew how to be the most gentle creature, we even learned to love the ocean. I can't say when or how but we soon became inseparable and I cannot say how much that dog helped me, cheered me up, got me to exercise, and in turn boosted my confidence. She came and watched the sunset with me, and snuck treats from the kitchen with me, she knew the sound of my car, and she would wait at my bedroom door for me, she was my everything... I miss her everyday. Dogs are unique, they have their own personalities, and they love you know matter what. They constantly teach me to be a better person and I strive to be worthy of their love. And as I work to be a nurse, becoming an advocate in healthcare, I continue to advocate for my entire community especially the ones who can’t speak for themselves. I recently rescued my boy Woodford, who showers me in praise from the moment he wakes me up, sometimes 5am, but that's okay. And just like my girl, I take him everywhere as well. He is my everything and it's hard to put into words how I just want to make him happy and safe in such a scary world. Regardless of the past, dogs have a way of making you feel safe, I wish to return the favor, so I continue to be an advocate for my four legged community and anyone else who can use it. When they're happy and comfortable it's an accomplishment and I can't imagine life without a dog's happiness.

I was ten when my parents “explained” that my brother almost died at two years old. We were in the hospital every day and then every six weeks, for over ten years. Clear liquids, medications q2h, countless blood draws… I, however, only sat closely by, my job? Bringing coloring books or Nintendo games, food from the Ronald McDonald house, or as many stuffed animals as I could sneak by the guards, my parents. Fast-forward, my mom was diagnosed with Lupus, got a divorce, and lost her friend… and then her dad. I didn’t know what I could do to make it better. I stayed by her side and we talked. In both instances, I was a distraction. I underestimated the power of a smile, listening to a story, or touch and little did I know that those first couple of acts... I am making a career. These are what drive me and are the reason for pursuing my degree in nursing. Nursing didn’t come immediately, I had no idea what becoming a social media intern meant, but in being a part of AVID(Advancement via Individual Determination) I was able to be a voice for thousands of underrepresented students. My job? Listen to the educators, students, and parents who are fighting for equity in higher education. By being that voice and addressing the very thing people disregard, ignore, segregate, and even complain about, we were able to support these families and provide them with the tools they needed to become first-generation graduates, doctors, engineers, and more. It was a privilege to learn from teachers like Ricky Ramirez, to help his students he took the time to understand them as a whole. Never did I imagine I’d work in a cubicle, but working with AVID I learned to be empathetic, the value of a team, and what difference my small actions made on students’ entire lives. As a volunteer for Burrito Boyz, I’m, again, shown the gift of a smile. An organization in which we prepare food and, from downtown San Diego, distribute them to our homeless neighbors. By the end of the day, we’d gather and introduce a new friend, where they were from, or something about them. And so... I began listening and learning their stories. In turn this helped me understand how we could support our neighbors and what we could do better as a community. There will always be more people to help and I want people to know that there will always be someone that cares. In pursuing nursing I love that I am able to explore areas from trauma, research to transcultural issues; never feeling like my job is “done”. Whether I’m here to listen, lead, or inform, I'm always looking to help people find what they need. In nursing I can accomplish my dreams, advocating for the underprivileged, being their voice. I’ve learned from Ray McClanahan, DPM, to be compassionate about your work and to be the most tender being in the room; Dr. Oltman, ND, taught me to cater to the patient, not the diagnosis. From Norma Sanchez, LPN, I learned that there is always room for a smile and from my many patients to be human. By being a nurse, I will never stop learning and will be rewarded with many moments. Whether they are the happiest of times or the worst, I get to be the person to make it a bit more bearable.

Harvey… we’ll start with Harvey. I didn’t actually meet this man in the facility I worked in but from a co-worker extending an invitation to earn a bit more money. At the time I was working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in an Assisted Living Facility. Harvey was previously a patient, but got out. However, his function was decreasing and he needed help with showering, exercising, and at home things. I agreed to a job I was so used to doing and I left meeting one of my best friends. Meeting Harvey wasn’t a job, I got to sit with a legend. He had fascinating stories, once working as a surgeon, traveling the world, and had all the right things to say. Something about stopping everything in your day and taking the time to listen to someone else tell their story is euphoric. It makes me smile to see him sift through memories and recount stories from his days in New York. After helping Harvey, I would set the tv up so he could watch baseball. He would always joke with me in that New Yorker way about sports and how it didn’t matter what was on but “we watch them all.” He’d laugh and it was a real laugh, that alone is the reason I keep doing this job. To make someone smile and laugh is such a small feat but is so rewarding when life seems to go downhill. October of 2021 Harvey passed away. He left me with a strange feeling, happy because I got to meet him, sad because it was only a short year, older because he taught me so much. Harvey has no idea how much he’s impacted my life. He taught me to be patient, take it day by day, to be positive, and to make people laugh. I want to be a nurse so that I can provide that level of care and understanding for all my patients. I want people to feel like a human and not a room number. Throughout my work and my life I want to be genuine in all that I do and take time to get to know people and learn from them. Never did I know my lessons would come from a retired surgeon from New York, but those are the most valuable and I am much better for it. Rest in Peace Harvey, I miss you always.

If only you could meet Cookie... I could not pick a more loving giant that this ball of sunshine. A Rottweiler who'd survived a ranch, was almost shot because her owners didn't want her. My mom rescued her, brought her in, fattened her up, and said "oh I'll find a good home for her." She was already home and there was no way she was going anywhere. At the time I was getting over a traumatic experience myself, two years prior I was attacked by our family Blue Mastiff. She latched on to my face and because of Cookie the rest is history. I was a bit terrified of bigger dogs but coming back from college I was the only one home and my new housemate was also home... I decided to start taking her on walks and eventually to the trails... next thing I knew she was coming everywhere with me. And not one person complained... if you knew me you knew Cookie and what a gift it was to snuggle up next to my 90lb girl. She'd wait for me by the door, she would follow me into any room I went to, regardless if it was for 5 minutes. She protected me when I slept and I swear she knew when I was sad or just her company alone made the world of difference. November 2021 I was forced to put her down and I can't describe a more painful experience. Cookie was and will always be my bestfriend, she was truly everything to me. I love pets because they love you unconditionally. They can read you like no one else and they respect the hell out of you... after a few trust falls and torn couches. I have grown up with pets since I can remember and ironically enough my mom at about my age also had a Rottweiler. I remember, vaguely, that her Rottweiler was also her everything. Some may not understand what I mean, but you could have 10 dogs your whole life, family dogs and such, but you know when that one animal is yours and yours only, there is a special bond, and you would run barefoot over hot rocks for them in a second. That's how I felt about my girl. Writing this breaks my heart into a million pieces again but it is so sweet to reminisce on her memories. As I mentioned, I have had pets all my life and what I remember about them all is that they taught me to love and keep loving. To not hold grudges, to remember boundaries, and each pet continues to teach me patience. You would think by now I would be a zen patient person but my newest edition, Woodford, has taught me I still have room to grow. They put a smile on my face and it's the most genuine innocent feeling to have a dog run up and greet you, I believe it is very much necessary to be happy.

If only you could meet Cookie... I could not pick a more loving giant that this ball of sunshine. A Rottweiler who'd survived a ranch, was almost shot because her owners didn't want her. My mom rescued her, brought her in, fattened her up, and said "oh I'll find a good home for her." She was already home and there was no way she was going anywhere. At the time I was getting over a traumatic experience myself, two years prior I was attacked by our family Blue Mastiff. She latched on to my face and because of Cookie the rest is history. I was a bit terrified of bigger dogs but coming back from college I was the only one home and my new housemate was also home... I decided to start taking her on walks and eventually to the trails... next thing I knew she was coming everywhere with me. And not one person complained... if you knew me you knew Cookie and what a gift it was to snuggle up next to my 90lb girl. She'd wait for me by the door, she would follow me into any room I went to, regardless if it was for 5 minutes. She protected me when I slept and I swear she knew when I was sad or just her company alone made the world of difference. November 2021 I was forced to put her down and I can't describe a more painful experience. Cookie was and will always be my bestfriend, she was truly everything to me. I love pets because they love you unconditionally. They can read you like no one else and they respect the hell out of you... after a few trust falls and torn couches. I have grown up with pets since I can remember and ironically enough my mom at about my age also had a Rottweiler. I remember, vaguely, that her Rottweiler was also her everything. Some may not understand what I mean, but you could have 10 dogs your whole life, family dogs and such, but you know when that one animal is yours and yours only, there is a special bond, and you would run barefoot over hot rocks for them in a second. That's how I felt about my girl. Writing this breaks my heart into a million pieces again but it is so sweet to reminisce on her memories. As I mentioned, I have had pets all my life and what I remember about them all is that they taught me to love and keep loving. To not hold grudges, to remember boundaries, and each pet continues to teach me patience. You would think by now I would be a zen patient person but my newest edition, Woodford, has taught me I still have room to grow. They put a smile on my face and it's the most genuine innocent feeling to have a dog run up and greet you, I believe it is very much necessary to be happy.

Working in healthcare, it was almost expected to find the answers to healthy living… In the hospital. That wasn’t the case at all. I learned, mostly from myself, to clear my mind meant to get outside. To go be active. To spend time with my dog. Learn something new. From spending an hour outside, I eventually learned so much more about myself. I found out happiness is different for everyone, learning acceptance and patience are the two most valuable lessons in my life. And after spending time outdoors I was able to find what makes me happy and how to ground myself when unhappy things start to cloud my mind. I cannot say how helpful acceptance has been. To take a few minutes, an hour, or more makes such a difference in finding acceptance but for me it meant hours hiking in the forests, alone. This is just one way for me to clear my mind. Through much patience I have found ways to practice mindfulness in everything I do. I still lose focus, get upset, and more but throwing on a podcast, listening to music, reading, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths while I wait for my 2 minute quick oats to be done… has brought me a tremendous amount of relief. And I didn’t find any of this in the hospital. I simply went on a walk and found how much better I felt when I slowed everything down. Much like Shawn, I practiced positive affirmations. But both for myself and for others. I found taking the time to complement, be genuine, caring, and to share positive feedback made me much happier. I felt positive. It’s very similar to the studies that say “a single smile can change someone’s entire day.” I hope this is true and in small and larger acts will continue to try and make other’s day because that makes my day as well. Clearing your mind isn’t simple, it shouldn’t be. Our mind’s are complex however, it is enlightening to come to the realization that happiness, mindfulness, and even success are all connected. It just takes time, slowing things down, for us to realize. Be patient, friends. Take a step back, notice who and what’s around you. Go for a walk and listen to music. It doesn’t have to be long, it can be the 2 minutes it takes for the oats to alarm. Just be patient and take it day by day.

One of the most inspiring, hard to read for the brutal honesty, what this man explores and shares is absolutely eye opening. I felt as if I went to therapy and came out a new person. Not so much as I went into a session to fix something but realized what I already believed but was too afraid to admit. Which can in itself help and solve problems. This book shares insight into how we process death and what it’s like living with your family. It goes through the development of nursing homes and considers what some people wish for in their remaining days on earth. Coming from a medical background and wanting to further my education in nursing, this book meant a lot to me. I don’t believe nursing and healthcare is black and white, facts from a book, etc.. No, I know it’s more than that and each person is different, I loved that this book doesn’t explore healthcare and death as a definite concept but admires life and what we can do to make our time better. I am a strong believer that “no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” I want to project that into my work and life. This book helped me understand what that can mean and to see people for who they are not what they’re diagnosed with. As harsh as death can be, I want to help make that process easier for the person and for those involved. This book has helped me explore that topic and truly understand that individuality plays a significant role in life and death.

One of the most inspiring, hard to read for the brutal honesty, what this man explores and shares is absolutely eye opening. I felt as if I went to therapy and came out a new person. Not so much as I went into a session to fix something but realized what I already believed but was too afraid to admit. Which can in itself help and solve problems. This book shares insight into how we process death and what it’s like living with your family. It goes through the development of nursing homes and considers what some people wish for in their remaining days on earth. Coming from a medical background and wanting to further my education in nursing, this book meant a lot to me. I don’t believe nursing and healthcare is black and white, facts from a book, etc.. No, I know it’s more than that and each person is different, I loved that this book doesn’t explore healthcare and death as a definite concept but admires life and what we can do to make our time better. I am a strong believer that “no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” I want to project that into my work and life. This book helped me understand what that can mean and to see people for who they are not what they’re diagnosed with. As harsh as death can be, I want to help make that process easier for the person and for those involved. This book has helped me explore that topic and truly understand that individuality plays a significant role in life and death.

To go out on a trail with no reception and be entirely alone and at peace, to go to a bar and meet new friends from all over. Or even take a dance class I know I will fail miserably. I wasn't always this way, aiming to not stand out, I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. But I also found that I was stopping myself from doing the things I wanted because I was afraid to do it embarrass myself. Then, I moved over a thousand miles away, knowing one person, and I realized quickly that if I wanted to do something I couldn’t wait around for people and I couldn't be afraid of what others thought. Fast-forward, I have backpacked into the middle of forests, alone. I decided to get my scuba diving license and then three years later flew, alone, to Florida to scuba dive with sharks. And at a random bar in Fort Lauderdale, I met the most incredible lady, who was the aspiring future me; an emergency nurse, in the military, who flew to Florida, alone, to scuba dive. She gave me so much insight and support in doing what I love. I think everyday that if I was afraid to try new things I would’ve never been to Florida let alone dive with sharks or meet future me. A Yogi Tea bag told me “never regret your mistakes. Admire the courage it took to attempt the unknown.” By being independent, I hope to get through nursing school and accomplish whatever life throws my way, never letting “being afraid or alone” stop me from doing what I love.

To go out on a trail with no reception and be at peace with the mountains, to go to a bar and meet new friends from all over. To go to the beach and sit silently with a book, a drink, and my dog. Or even take a dance class I know I will fail miserably. I want to get into nursing school, graduate, and help young kids grow up to be strong and happy. My dream life is to be able to explore and learn wherever I go, trying not to worry about the “what ifs.” I never want to say one day “I wish I did that.” So the dreams don’t stop. And dream life can’t be far off… I love my work and I am ready to start my career in nursing and when I am not working I am somewhere lost in the forests. Dream life would be to live in the forests and work in a hospital, dream life might be in Oregon, Colorado, or somewhere else. I am excited to find out.

Nursing didn’t come immediately, I got my first big girl job in marketing. I had no idea what becoming a social media intern meant, but in being a part of AVID I was able to be a voice for thousands of underrepresented students. My job? Listen to the educators, students, and parents who are fighting for equity in higher education. By being that voice, sharing personal stories, we acknowledged the lack of equity and exposed it. Addressing the very thing people disregard, ignore, segregate, and even complain about, we were able to support these families and provide them with the tools they needed to become first generation graduates, doctors, engineers, and more. We’re told to be kind, empathetic, and communicate effectively but these aren’t notecards you can memorize for a test. As a volunteer for Burrito Boyz, I’m, again, shown the gift of a smile. Burrito Boyz is an organization in which we prepare food and distribute it to our homeless neighbors. By the end of the day we’d gather and introduce a new friend, where they were from, or something about them. And so... I began learning their stories. This helped me understand how we could support our neighbors, not to judge, and what we could do better as a community. My passion is to do good for my community. By being a nurse, I will never stop learning and will always be there for my patients and colleagues. I look forward to my career and I am more eager than ever to have the responsibility, honest excitement, and terrifying experiences that come with nursing because I will bring value to the team and educate others on their value.

One of the hardest questions but once given some thought, a healthy one I surprisingly enjoyed. It took me a while to find it but I started with what I’ve done differently over the years to be better and what I hope to do… What I discovered is my independence and the confidence that comes with it, though it could always use some work. To go out on a trail with no reception and be entirely alone and at peace, to go to a bar and meet new friends from all over. To go to the beach, two hours away, and sit silently with a book and a drink. Or even take a dance class I know I will fail miserably. I didn’t used to be this way, coupled with being afraid to be “different,” I was a pretty reserved kid. Aiming to not stand out, I remember playing tennis with my dad and being afraid to “grunt” because none of the other girls did and any of my friends who didn’t play tennis, definitely didn’t. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself but I also found that I was stopping myself from doing the things I wanted, if no one wanted or wasn’t, because I was afraid to do it alone and embarrass myself. Then, I moved over a thousand miles away, knowing one person, and I realized quickly that if I wanted to do something I couldn’t wait around for people; I had to figure it out and go for it. Fast-forward, I have backpacked into the middle of forests, alone. I decided to get my scuba diving license and then three years later flew, alone, to Florida to scuba dive with sharks. And at a random bar in Fort Lauderdale, I met the most incredible lady, who was the aspiring future me; an emergency nurse, in the military, who flew to Florida, alone, to scuba dive. She gave me so much insight and support in doing what I love. I think everyday that if I was afraid to try new things I would’ve never been to Florida let alone dive with sharks or meet future me. Now, if you’re in the area I am sure you can hear me screaming at the tennis ball, myself, my opponent, and my racket from miles away. Being confident doesn't mean you don’t fail, it means you try and you keep trying. A Yogi Tea bag told me “never regret your mistakes. Admire the courage it took to attempt the unknown.” By making mistakes, being confident, and independent I hope to get through nursing school and accomplish whatever life throws my way, never letting “being afraid or alone” stop me from doing what I love.

Adrenaline, instant euphoria, satisfaction... My friend constantly reminds me that she doesn't understand the joy I get in being outside or climbing to a mountain peak. It's gratifying, in being outside, not just at a peak or making it to the tallest waterfall in California, but listening to birds or, it may sound corny, but waking up to a still lake filled with glacier water in the middle of an Oregon forest. I am immediately cured of any negative feeling when someone agrees to hike with me, fish, swim, or just sit and enjoy the sun. It's therapeutic, it's slightly unknown- what animals are around, who you may see, and what views you might discover, it's pure, it's so many things I could go on for hours but for me it's happiness. It's a chance to slow down and take it in, and that’s often what I do… three massive slow breaths and I take it all in. I typically hike with only Woodford, my pup, and I am so at peace with just the two of us, thousands of miles of untouched land. There is something magical about that, the untouched land. I truly feel a serotonin boost when I realize I am miles from a city, no reception, and potentially no human. Slightly scary but that is part of the fun! I find it so interesting the natural growth of the local trees, lakes, and the animals that inhabit it all. Being such a small part of this world is humbling, you truly get a feel for how small you are and how there are so many other things going on around you. It may take a second but I remind myself someone may have it worse so appreciate this right now and enjoy the beauty of nature!

Nursing didn’t come immediately, I got my first big girl job in marketing. I had no idea what becoming a social media intern meant, but in being a part of AVID I was able to be a voice for thousands of underrepresented students. My job? Listen to the educators, students, and parents who are fighting for equity in higher education. By being that voice, sharing personal stories, we acknowledged the lack of equity and exposed it. Addressing the very thing people disregard, ignore, segregate, and even complain about, we were able to support these families and provide them with the tools they needed to become first generation graduates, doctors, engineers, and more. We’re told to be kind, empathetic, and communicate effectively but these aren’t notecards you can memorize for a test. As a volunteer for Burrito Boyz, I’m, again, shown the gift of a smile. Burrito Boyz is an organization in which we prepare food and distribute it to our homeless neighbors. By the end of the day we’d gather and introduce a new friend, where they were from, or something about them. And so... I began learning their stories. This helped me understand how we could support our neighbors, not to judge, and what we could do better as a community. My passion is to do good for my community. By being a nurse, I will never stop learning and will always be there for my patients and colleagues. I look forward to my career and I am more eager than ever to have the responsibility, honest excitement, and terrifying experiences that come with nursing because I will bring value to the team and educate others on their value.

I stay true to myself by doing something I love or enjoy each day, regardless of the weather, who cares to join, or what money I have. I find something to look forward to because those little things make me me. For example, I enjoy being outdoors or exercising and each day I spend time on a run, going to the park with my dog, hiking, snowboarding, or walking around town. This allows me to be present and in a positive way it helped me become independent, going after what I want without needing someone to do it with me. And now, honestly, I love doing things on my own! The freedom and patience I have for life is incredible, I have no expectations and can just be me. I've met so many people with being honest about myself and exploring my city and even entirely different states. By doing these things, sticking to what I like, not what society wants me to like, I stay true to myself and I am happier for it. And in each thing I do, I find people who care to do the same and are also true to themselves.

"Focus on what you can currently change." This may seem simple but at a time that felt like every turn, there was a problem, upsets, uncontrollable financial burdens, deaths, etc... I felt so out of control I lost complete sight of what I could control. And the tumbleweed effect would take over. I can’t remember who told me this or if it was a distinct moment. But I continue to tell myself this weekly and it gets me through so many things that I would have previously given up on, it taught me to turn a negative situation into something neutral, something that didn’t need to affect everything else in life. And it taught me to be patient and to only focus on what you can change, the rest is out of my hands and there is no use panicking over it. I can not tell you how many small things that would normally ruin someone’s day, or “add” to an already tough day, have been nothing but that…a small thing that I know I can look past. Whether that’s dropping a phone in a toilet, getting a flat tire, breaking a bone, failing a class, losing a friend, or all at once. There are a few of those things that happened, you keep your head up and you fix what you can. The world doesn’t stop moving and the day continues. I take my days by minutes, my weeks by days, and I look forward to getting done, what I can. And I will continue to try each day to do better and to be stronger.

How could you not? Well I'll tell you a story and how I still could not love my furry friends. I was actually brutally attacked by my Neapolitan Mastiff when I was 16 years old. She was 120lbs at 1 year old, they're unpredictable and with that size can be dangerous, I got over a hundred stitches in and on my face, "they" took her from us and that was the devastating part. My family did not know how to react, in no way could I blame her. She was a baby, she didn't know better, and I wish we did something more. I grew up with big dogs, always aware of their size and to be respectful, but again they can be unpredictable just like humans. It took me about a year to be comfortable around larger dogs, but that is all thanks to my girl, Cookie. A rescue off an abandoned ranch, a 90lb Rottweiler and my best friend. I took that dog everywhere, if you knew me you knew Cookie. And I don't know who would have ever left her because she was the sweetest giant I have ever met, it was almost fate to meet a dog like her after an instance like mine. That dog pulled me out of a funk and I like to think I pulled her out of a funk. She was underweight, terrified of cars, hated water, and not very playful. Originally my mom's dog I came back from college and slowly started helping her gain confidence. We listened to music in the backseat to get over our fear, we learned to play and somehow she still knew how to be the most gentle creature, we even learned to love the ocean. I can't even say when or how but we soon became inseparable and I cannot say how much that dog helped me, cheered me up, got me to exercise, and honestly be independent. She came and watched the sunset with me, and snuck treats from the kitchen with me, she knew the sound of my car, and she would wait at my bedroom door for me, she was my everything... I miss her everyday. Dogs are unique, they have their own personalities, and they love you know matter what. They teach me to be a better person and I strive to be worthy of their unconditional love. I love that they just want to be loved, they want good grub too, but being loved by a dog is the biggest serotonin boost there is. Thanks to her I got over my fear and now I currently have my boy Woodford, a big boy who showers me in praise from the moment he wakes me up, sometimes 5am, but that's okay. Again, I take him everywhere, he is my everything and it's hard to put into words how I just want to make him happy and safe in such a scary world. Dogs have always helped make me feel rewarded as well, when they're happy and comfortable it's an accomplishment. Why do I love dogs? How could you not. I can't imagine life without a dog's love.

Working to earn my nursing degree, and pay for it, I am currently a Medical Assistant with big goals. I live in Portland, Oregon where substance abuse is raining down on the city and I am sad and angry because I want to do more. I have just started my volunteer ship with the Dougy Center, helping kids process grief in healthy ways. I am a firm believer that we fail society when we ignore children's pure minds and bodies. I know it isn't easy and there is much at play but I also know how malleable kids can be and how detrimental trauma at a young age can be to the rest of their lives. When back home, in San Diego California, I volunteer for the Burrito Boyz. A small group that gets together to help provide food and necessities to our homeless neighbors. Being apart of this group doesn't mean just passing out everyday supplies but getting to know our neighbors; having conversations, knowing names, and aiding them with these small but mighty interactions. I met some wonderful genuine people and hope to make those small connections everywhere I go. Whether it's in an elevator on my way to work, taking the time to be present at the grocery store, where my fellow trader joe employees slave away to help me, or friends and family. Mentality... is powerful and I've seen for myself how extending a smile and showing you care can make the difference in someone's day. I want to deter my community from substance abuse, and by becoming a nurse I will have the medical background to know what plan of action is best suited for individuals. I will have the knowledge to educate others on Substance Abuse Disorder and hopefully find healthy ways for people to cope with personal problems. The difference I hope to make is taking the time in this type of care and proving to people they matter and can recover.

I was ten when my parents “explained” that my brother almost died at two years old. We were in the hospital every day and then every six weeks, for over ten years. Clear liquids, medications q2h, countless blood draws… I, however, only sat closely by, my job? Bringing coloring books or Nintendo games, food from the Ronald McDonald house, or as many stuffed animals as I could sneak by the guards, my parents. Fast-forward, my mom was diagnosed with Lupus, got a divorce, and lost her friend… and then her dad. I didn’t know what I could do to make it better. I stayed by her side and we talked. In both instances, I was a distraction. I underestimated the power of a smile, listening to a story, or touch and little did I know that those first couple of acts... I am making my career. Nursing didn’t come immediately, I had no idea what becoming a social media intern meant, but in being a part of AVID(Advancement via Individual Determination) I was able to be a voice for thousands of underrepresented students. My job? Listen to the educators, students, and parents who are fighting for equity in higher education. By being that voice and addressing the very thing people disregard, ignore, segregate, and even complain about, we were able to support these families and provide them with the tools they needed to become first-generation graduates, doctors, engineers, and more. It was a privilege to learn from teachers like Ricky Ramirez, to help his students he took the time to understand them as a whole. Never did I imagine I’d work in a cubicle, but working with AVID I learned to be empathetic, the value of a team, and what difference my small actions made on students’ entire lives. As a volunteer for Burrito Boyz, I’m, again, shown the gift of a smile. An organization in which we prepare food and, from downtown San Diego, distribute them to our homeless neighbors. By the end of the day, we’d gather and introduce a new friend, where they were from, or something about them. And so... I began listening and learning their stories. In turn this helped me understand how we could support our neighbors and what we could do better as a community. I’ve learned from Ray McClanahan, DPM, to be compassionate about your work and to be the most tender being in the room; Dr. Oltman, ND, taught me to cater to the patient, not the diagnosis. From Norma Sanchez, LPN, I learned that there is always room for a smile and from my many patients to be human. I am constantly inspired to purse this career, the idea that I can combine the joy I have from learning, having opportunities, inspire others in the process, and feel accomplished each day, these things inspire me and motivate me to continue. By being a nurse the goal is to never stop learning, advocate for my community, share my knowledge. And in mastering the specialties I hope to pursue, such as certified hyperbaric nursing, wild life nursing, and CRNA, whether the moments are the happiest of times or the worst, I get to be the person that makes it a bit more bearable.