"Tough runs don't last, tough runners do". This is my go to mantra when I am feeling defeated during a run. This quote was also on the handmade sign that my friends cheered me on with while I ran my first half-marathon in 2019. Running has been my saving grace for so many reasons. The main one being mental clarity. I was inspired to run my first mile by a friend who used to pace Nike group runs throughout the week. I never saw myself as a runner and honestly, after that first mile, I was not interested. I had all these negative thoughts in my head, why do I think I can run or actually enjoy running? I could barely run down the block without feeling out of breath! We ended up running a few more times and slowly started to increase my distance. The next thing you know, I signed up for a 5k race. Although the race was in unfamiliar territory and I did it alone, I really enjoyed myself and felt so accomplished after completing the race. This is ultimately where my “runner’s high” kicked in. After my first 5k, I did a few more and then started signing up for 10k races. Impulsively, I signed up for my first half marathon and I am so proud of myself for sticking with this hobby. My ultimate running accomplishment was becoming a TCS New York City marathoner in 2021. Crossing the finish line is an unexplainable feeling. There were emotions I never knew I had until I finished the marathon & had my medal around my neck. Throughout my training, I wanted to give up so many times. I had two injuries, ended up going to physical therapy, and almost thought of deferring my marathon. During those moments when I wanted to give up, I thought about how far I’ve come in my running career. Although the training was mentally taxing especially during a pandemic, running has been a passion of mine that I can never see myself quitting. I have met amazing people through running, friends that have turned into family, I have inspired others to run races or become active. I can definitely say that running has had a positive impact on my life, when I am feeling down or stressed, I run. It has literally saved me from myself and I will always show up for myself no matter what. Running has taught me the importance of believing in yourself and has truly shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Growing up with strong Caribbean heritage and culture really made me value education and resources available here in America . My mother is from the beautiful island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, she came to America in her 20’s and has been working as an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse for 28 years. My name is Keierra Wiltshire and I am a proud Caribbean-American woman who is destined to be a wonderful nurse. My family is full of nurses, their specialties range from critical care to visiting nurses dealing with patients who have dementia. Watching my family members work so hard to help heal others and be selfless has always inspired me growing up. I have learned the importance of compassion towards others, patience, and always treating others with respect. My grandfather who had dementia came to stay with us when I was in the 7th grade. I became so attached to him although he could not remember my name. I was so young and confused about his condition but I made it my duty to always be present and assist him when he needed something. This was one of my first experiences with dementia and it sparked an interest in me. I took care of him, fed him, talked to him, and answered all of his questions no matter how many times he repeated the same one. When he went missing and was wandering all over the city, I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach for hours. He thought he was back home in St. Vincent, how would anyone know that he is in need of 24/7 supervision? Relief filled my body when the cops called to let us know they found him and took him to a local hospital. My heart shattered when I heard of his passing, although I didn’t fully understand Alzheimer’s and dementia, I understood how difficult it is to see a family member experience this terrible disease. This, along with other situations, was when I knew I needed to be a nurse, to help those unable to help themselves and put their family members' minds at ease. Altogether, my life experiences, especially witnessing my grandfather lose his battle with dementia has given me the motivation and push I needed to pursue nursing. I am compassionate, patient, and nurturing towards others. These attributes are vital in this field. I treat others how I would like to be treated and I am always willing to learn more about myself as a professional and student.

Growing up with strong Caribbean heritage and culture really made me value education and resources available here in America . My mother is from the beautiful island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, she came to America in her 20’s and has been working as an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse for 28 years. My name is Keierra Wiltshire and I am a proud Caribbean-American woman who is destined to be a wonderful nurse. My family is full of nurses, their specialties range from critical care to visiting nurses dealing with patients who have dementia. Watching my family members work so hard to help heal others and be selfless has always inspired me growing up. I have learned the importance of compassion towards others, patience, and always treating others with respect. My grandfather who had dementia came to stay with us when I was in the 7th grade. I became so attached to him although he could not remember my name. I was so young and confused about his condition but I made it my duty to always be present and assist him when he needed something. This was one of my first experiences with dementia and it sparked an interest in me. I took care of him, fed him, talked to him, and answered all of his questions no matter how many times he repeated the same one. When he went missing and was wandering all over the city, I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach for hours. He thought he was back home in St. Vincent, how would anyone know that he is in need of 24/7 supervision? Relief filled my body when the cops called to let us know they found him and took him to a local hospital. My heart shattered when I heard of his passing, although I didn’t fully understand Alzheimer’s and dementia, I understood how difficult it is to see a family member experience this terrible disease. This, along with other situations, was when I knew I needed to be a nurse, to help those unable to help themselves and put their family members' minds at ease. Altogether, my life experiences, especially witnessing my grandfather lose his battle with dementia has given me the motivation and push I needed to pursue nursing. I am compassionate, patient, and nurturing towards others. These attributes are vital in this field. I plan on carrying the same values exemplified by Cindy by treating others how I would like to be treated and giving back to people in my community.