The key to maintaining my overall health is having constant reflection on what I consume and how much physical activity is being done daily. After a good moment of reflection, I’m able to go about my day with a calm mind knowing that I've consumed the correct calories and moved enough for me to continue life with good intentions. I've started this drive for maintaining my health only about 3 years ago during my freshman year of high school. Since then I've improved so much. For example, I used to not consume as many vegetables because I just didn't like the taste, but I've since discovered the beauty of seasonings. Although I'm pretty late to this discovery, it's definitely made me enjoy vegetables a whole lot more than I used to. I went from barely eating a single broccoli to filling half my plate with them. Furthermore, I aspire to be resilient when it comes to my health because resilience comes with strength and strength comes with self-care. In past years, I’ve developed some healthy habits and routines to combat the mental strain of not feeling good in my own body. This includes regular exercise and an improved diet. I try my best to avoid processed foods, empty carbs, and sugary drinks. However, it becomes difficult being in school surrounded by unhealthy lunch options. To refrain from this, I often bring fruits and alternative, healthier lunches. I try to balance my meals and eat from three different food groups every day to ensure proper nutrition. While studying for an exam, I avoid caffeine and sugar to keep a healthy brain. Although I can sometimes be a sucker for an iced coffee during a big exam, I just make sure I get the 8 hours of sleep I need the day before to keep me up and studying healthily. Lastly, maintaining my physical health doesn’t require much, but comes with a lot of motivation. Fortunately, I'm motivated most days and get a good fat-burning body workout done every morning for at least 5 days a week. In the past, I've only had the willpower to exercise about 1-2 times a week, but now I have the time and willpower to extend it to 5 days a week, leaving the weekends for other necessary self-care. In this journey so far, I’ve lost around 6-7 pounds of unnecessary fat. There are usually always those days when I just don't feel like doing a hardcore ab or leg workout. A great alternative that I've incorporated is just simply taking a morning or evening walk. Each day, I take a 30-minute stroll through my neighborhood. Walking boosts my mind and increases blood flow and circulation to the body and brain. The fresh air instantly replenishes my soul and encourages me to keep going and never give up. I also love to form my own workouts that fit my physical needs. This allows me to focus on what works for my body. This not only gives me the physical health that I desire, but it helps me mentally. With this in mind, there’s one thing I plan on always remembering, to embrace the struggle. Why? Because it, ultimately, promotes the most growth and maturity for the soul and the body.

As a young girl, I’ve always envisioned going to college and pursuing a career that impacts lives in a positive way. A career that not only enriches the lives of others but my own as well. A career that can instill pride, integrity, and confidence in someone not only professionally but on a personal level as well. I’ve found that only the field of nursing checks all those boxes for me. Ever since I was very little I’ve loved caring for my younger cousins and siblings. Even only being a few years younger than me, I loved helping feed, bathe, and change them. My life is devoted to caring for individuals. I’ve always been passionate about caring for people, whether it be the feeling of altruism or the human connection you get. My passion for nursing has only increased ever since I started high school. For a person to place their confidence in me is a significant responsibility, but one I’m willing to uphold. Nursing gives me the opportunity to help people when they are in their most vulnerable state. I’m also aware that the nursing field can be challenging and I’ve discussed the downsides with family members. I understand that I may experience difficult patients, long shifts, and emotional exhaustion, but I’ve only thrived from challenges thrown my way and they’ve helped shape me into the person I am today. Much like Cindy, I love to revolve my life around empathy for others. Making an effort to indicate the feelings that people are giving is a critical role in nursing. Furthermore, I can help carry on these values of empathy and compassion exemplified by Cindy J Visser by advocating for my patients. By listening to their needs and showing interest in what they're saying and feeling, I can develop a higher degree of professionalism. I aim to put my patients first and act in their best interest at all times. I'm willing to take steps towards communicating effectively to give individuals their healthiest lives. As a nurse, I have to be willing to accept constructive criticism and hold it as a priority to help better my skills in my work environment. I will instill these traits exemplified by Cindy throughout and beyond my future career. I can't wait to flourish as a nurse and take part in promoting healthy lifestyles, advocating for my patients, and providing the knowledge needed for healthy living in my community.