My inspiration to pursue nursing comes from a lifelong desire to help others and the experiences that showed me the power of compassion and human connection. From a young age, I naturally stepped into the role of caregiver as the oldest sibling in my family. Whether it was helping with homework, offering comfort, or taking responsibility when things became overwhelming, I learned early that caring for others is both a privilege and a calling. That instinct to nurture and advocate has guided every step of my journey toward nursing. Growing up with a single father, I learned the importance of health, structure, and resilience. Even with limited resources, my dad made it a point to prepare balanced meals and keep me active through sports. He believed that taking care of your body was a reflection of self-respect and discipline. At the same time, I watched my cousin—also African American—struggle with poor nutrition, low activity, and limited access to health education. Seeing those contrasts made me realize how deeply environment and opportunity shape a person’s wellness. That realization sparked my interest in preventive care and health education, especially for families and children in underserved communities. When I began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, my understanding of care grew even deeper. Nursing, I discovered, wasn’t just about treating illness—it was about connecting, listening, and seeing each patient as a whole person. One of my most defining moments came in a long-term care facility when I took extra time to follow a resident’s detailed bathing routine, even when others thought it unnecessary. Later, she told me, “You’ll make a great nurse one day.” Her words stayed with me. She saw in me the compassion and patience that I hadn’t yet fully recognized in myself. Another experience that shaped my path occurred during the height of COVID-19. A patient scheduled for surgery was terrified because visitor restrictions meant she couldn’t see her daughter beforehand. I contacted the manager on duty and the hospital pastor until I secured special approval for her daughter to visit. The relief in her eyes reminded me that nursing is about more than skill—it’s about empathy and advocacy. That moment solidified what I already felt in my heart: I wanted to be a nurse who helps people feel safe, understood, and cared for during life’s most vulnerable moments. My journey hasn’t been without challenges. Balancing two jobs, running a community book club, and maintaining academic performance in an accelerated nursing program has tested my resilience. When I was placed on academic probation, I refused to give up. I passed the required course with a 95%, retook others to raise my GPA, and earned no less than 91% in each. That experience taught me that perseverance is the foundation of growth—and that passion becomes purpose when matched with hard work. Today, my inspiration for nursing comes from every moment where care made a difference—whether it was comforting a patient, advocating for a family, or helping someone rediscover hope. My long-term goal is to combine nursing, education, and nutrition to help families build sustainable wellness from the ground up. Nursing, to me, is more than a career. It’s the lifelong commitment to compassion, advocacy, and healing—values that have shaped not only my path, but who I am.

1. My name is Kiara Smith, and I’m currently pursuing my Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. As the oldest sibling and the daughter of a single father, caregiving came naturally to me from a young age. I learned early that compassion, patience, and responsibility are not just traits—they’re values that shape how I connect with others. My passion for human health and wellness stems from both personal and professional experiences. My father instilled healthy habits even on a tight budget, showing me that wellness is built through consistency, not perfection. In contrast, I saw family members struggle with poor nutrition and limited health education, especially within underrepresented communities. Those differences showed me how access and awareness can completely change someone’s quality of life. Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant deepened my commitment to healthcare. I’ve witnessed how small acts—listening, advocating, offering comfort—can make a patient feel truly seen. These experiences taught me that health is about more than the body; it’s about connection, education, and empowerment. Through nursing, I hope to blend compassion and prevention to help families build stronger, healthier futures. 2. To me, empathy means seeing the person before the patient. It’s the ability to step into someone’s world, understand their fear or pain, and respond with both compassion and respect. In healthcare, empathy is the bridge between treatment and healing—it transforms care from something clinical into something human. As a future nurse, empathy is at the core of everything I hope to do. Nursing isn’t just about monitoring vital signs or administering medication—it’s about advocating for people in their most vulnerable moments. I’ve seen how a nurse’s presence and understanding can ease anxiety, restore dignity, and create trust. Without empathy, patient care becomes mechanical; with it, every action gains meaning and purpose. One of my earliest lessons in empathy came while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. A long-term care resident had a detailed bathing routine that many viewed as inconvenient, but I took the time to follow it because it mattered to her. After seeing me scolded for taking too long, she later told me, “You’re going to make a great nurse.” That moment stayed with me—it reminded me that empathy often looks like patience, and that slowing down for someone can make them feel seen and valued. Another defining experience occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a patient facing major surgery wasn’t allowed visitors after 8 p.m. She was terrified of going through the procedure alone. I contacted the manager on duty and the hospital pastor until I secured approval for her daughter to visit before surgery. The gratitude in her eyes when she saw her daughter reminded me that empathy also means advocacy—finding ways to honor a person’s emotional needs, not just their physical ones. To ensure that my work remains human-centered, I approach every interaction with three guiding principles: listen fully, lead with compassion, and advocate intentionally. Listening allows me to understand what patients truly need beyond what’s written in their charts. Compassion reminds me that kindness can be just as healing as medicine. Advocacy ensures that I use my voice to support those who might not feel empowered to speak for themselves. Empathy is not a single act—it’s a practice. It requires presence, humility, and emotional awareness. It challenges you to look beyond symptoms and see stories, to view every patient as a person with a life outside their diagnosis. Through nursing, I plan to bring empathy to the forefront of care—by building trust, promoting education, and empowering families to take charge of their wellness. Because at the heart of healthcare is not just science—it’s humanity.

My journey to nursing didn’t begin in a classroom — it began at home. As the oldest sibling, I naturally took on the role of caregiver early in life. Whether it was helping with homework, supporting family through hard times, or simply being the one others could rely on, I learned that compassion and responsibility go hand in hand. Those early lessons taught me that caring for others isn’t just something I do — it’s part of who I am. Growing up, I also saw how health and wellness can shape a person’s future. My father was a single parent, and even with limited resources, he made it a priority for our family to have balanced meals and stay active. He believed that health was a foundation for success, and his consistency showed me the importance of prevention and discipline. On the other hand, I watched my cousin, who is also African American, struggle with unhealthy eating habits and low physical activity. Seeing how those choices affected her health and confidence made me realize how deeply lifestyle and education influence wellness — especially in underserved communities. Those two examples in my own family—my father’s dedication and my cousin’s challenges—planted the seed of what I now want to dedicate my career to: helping others make healthier, informed choices for their bodies and their lives. When I began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I saw firsthand how compassion could transform patient care. I’ll never forget one of my long-term care residents who had a specific bathing routine that other staff found time-consuming. I made it a point to honor her preferences, even when it meant working a little slower. One night after a nurse scolded me for taking too long, that resident pulled me aside and said, “You’re going to make a great nurse one day.” Her words meant more than she knew. They reminded me that small acts of care — listening, being patient, showing genuine respect — can be just as healing as medicine. Another defining moment came when I worked at a hospital during COVID-19. A patient scheduled for surgery couldn’t see her daughter because of visitation restrictions. She was scared and alone, so I made calls to the manager on duty and the hospital pastor until I got her daughter approved for a brief visit. The relief and peace it brought her reaffirmed what I already knew: nursing is about advocacy as much as it is about care. These experiences—both personal and professional—shaped my decision to pursue nursing. They taught me that healing isn’t just about treating illness, but about seeing the person behind the diagnosis and understanding the barriers they face. As a future nurse, I want to bridge that gap by combining patient care with education and prevention. My long-term goal is to blend nursing, nutrition, and community health to help families, especially those with young children, build strong and healthy foundations. Every experience in my life has led me here. Nursing allows me to bring together the compassion I grew up with, the resilience I’ve developed, and the purpose I’ve found: to care, to teach, and to advocate — one patient, one family, and one community at a time.

My name is Kiara Smith, and I am currently enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Grand Canyon University’s Sun City campus in Phoenix, Arizona. From a young age, I’ve always felt a natural pull toward helping others. As the oldest sibling, I naturally stepped into the role of caregiver—someone who looked after and supported those around her. That early sense of responsibility shaped my empathy, patience, and compassion, and it’s what ultimately led me toward a career in nursing. My decision to pursue nursing grew stronger through hands-on experience. While working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I learned what it truly means to provide care beyond physical needs. One of my patients once told me, “You’ll make a great nurse one day.” At that time, I was still uncertain about my path, but her words stayed with me. She recognized that nursing isn’t just about skill—it’s about genuine human connection, the ability to comfort, advocate, and see the person beyond the patient. That moment helped me realize that nursing was the perfect blend of what I love most: compassion, advocacy, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Balancing school and work has not been easy. I currently hold two jobs while running a local women’s book club, Phoenix Babes Who Read. Earlier in my program, I faced one of my biggest academic challenges when I was placed on probation and needed to earn at least a 75% in a course to continue. I refused to let that setback define me. Through better organization, improved study habits, and a renewed dedication to my goals, I not only passed with a 95% but went on to retake several other classes to raise my GPA—earning no less than a 91% in each. That experience taught me resilience and reaffirmed my belief that perseverance and structure can turn any obstacle into growth. In the future, I plan to combine nursing, education, and nutrition to make a positive impact within my community. I’ve seen firsthand how poor access to health education affects families, especially in underrepresented communities. My cousin, for instance, struggled with unhealthy eating habits and limited physical activity, while my father—a single parent—made it a priority to prepare balanced meals and keep me active through sports, even on a tight budget. Those experiences showed me that sustainable health starts with awareness and access. I want to help families, especially those with young children, build healthier lifestyles through preventive care and education—showing that wellness begins long before a hospital visit. I believe that healthcare professionals play one of the most vital roles in the healing process. We are advocates, educators, and a source of stability during life’s most vulnerable moments. As a future nurse, I want to embody that role by promoting empathy and empowerment in every patient interaction. Ultimately, my goal is to become a nurse who helps close the gap between healthcare and everyday wellness—someone who not only treats but teaches, inspires, and uplifts. Nursing, to me, is about compassion and advocacy working hand in hand. With this degree, I hope to bring both to the forefront of the communities I serve.

My name is Kiara Smith, and I am currently enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Grand Canyon University’s Sun City campus in Phoenix, Arizona. From a young age, I’ve always felt a natural pull toward helping others. As the oldest sibling, I naturally stepped into the role of caregiver—someone who looked after and supported those around her. That early sense of responsibility shaped my empathy, patience, and compassion, and it’s what ultimately led me toward a career in nursing. My decision to pursue nursing grew stronger through hands-on experience. While working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I learned what it truly means to provide care beyond physical needs. One of my patients once told me, “You’ll make a great nurse one day.” At that time, I was still uncertain about my path, but her words stayed with me. She recognized that nursing isn’t just about skill—it’s about genuine human connection, the ability to comfort, advocate, and see the person beyond the patient. That moment helped me realize that nursing was the perfect blend of what I love most: compassion, advocacy, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Balancing school and work has not been easy. I currently hold two jobs while running a local women’s book club, Phoenix Babes Who Read. Earlier in my program, I faced one of my biggest academic challenges when I was placed on probation and needed to earn at least a 75% in a course to continue. I refused to let that setback define me. Through better organization, improved study habits, and a renewed dedication to my goals, I not only passed with a 95% but went on to retake several other classes to raise my GPA—earning no less than a 91% in each. That experience taught me resilience and reaffirmed my belief that perseverance and structure can turn any obstacle into growth. In the future, I plan to combine nursing, education, and nutrition to make a positive impact within my community. I’ve seen firsthand how poor access to health education affects families, especially in underrepresented communities. My cousin, for instance, struggled with unhealthy eating habits and limited physical activity, while my father—a single parent—made it a priority to prepare balanced meals and keep me active through sports, even on a tight budget. Those experiences showed me that sustainable health starts with awareness and access. I want to help families, especially those with young children, build healthier lifestyles through preventive care and education—showing that wellness begins long before a hospital visit. I believe that healthcare professionals play one of the most vital roles in the healing process. We are advocates, educators, and a source of stability during life’s most vulnerable moments. As a future nurse, I want to embody that role by promoting empathy and empowerment in every patient interaction. Ultimately, my goal is to become a nurse who helps close the gap between healthcare and everyday wellness—someone who not only treats but teaches, inspires, and uplifts. Nursing, to me, is about compassion and advocacy working hand in hand. With this degree, I hope to bring both to the forefront of the communities I serve.

1. From a young age, I’ve always felt a natural pull toward helping others. As the oldest sibling, I often took on the role of caregiver — someone who looked after and supported those around me. That early sense of responsibility grew into a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives. When I began working as a CNA, I wasn’t yet sure if nursing was the right path for me. One evening, after I took extra time to comfort and care for a patient, she told me, “You’ll make a great nurse one day.” Her words changed everything. They helped me realize that nursing is more than a career — it’s a calling rooted in empathy, patience, and human connection. Over time, I’ve also developed a passion for blending nursing, education, and nutrition. I’ve seen how access to knowledge and healthy habits can transform families. My cousin, for example, grew up eating mostly fast food and living a sedentary lifestyle, while my father— a single parent — made it a point to cook balanced meals and keep me active through sports, even on a budget. Those early lessons shaped my view of what true health education can accomplish. My goal is to become a nurse who not only provides care but empowers families — especially those with young children — to make sustainable, healthy choices. I want to help bridge the gap between clinical care and everyday life, showing that prevention and compassion go hand in hand. At the core of my journey are compassion and advocacy. You can’t have one without the other, and together they define the kind of nurse I aspire to be. 2. Human touch is the connection you feel when someone truly cares for you. It doesn’t always mean physical contact—it can be the small, intentional actions that show empathy and humanity, things that can never be automated. In healthcare, human touch means that a patient feels seen, heard, and valued. Especially in stressful or unfamiliar situations, knowing that a nurse genuinely cares and wants to advocate for them can make all the difference. From my experience as a caregiver, I’ve learned how meaningful these small gestures can be. When I first started as a CNA in a long-term care facility, one of my residents had a very specific bathing routine. I made it a point to honor that, even when it took extra time. Some coworkers thought I was being too slow, but I knew it mattered to her. One night, after seeing me scolded by a floor nurse for taking too long, she pulled me aside and told me how much she appreciated my patience and attention. She said she could feel that I cared, and that I would make a great nurse one day—someone who valued the human touch. That moment has stayed with me ever since. Another experience that shaped my view of caregiving happened when a hospital patient I cared for was scheduled for major surgery during COVID-19. Visitor restrictions meant she couldn’t see her daughter after 8 p.m., but her surgery was at 2:30 a.m. Nervous and alone, she asked if I could find a way for her daughter to visit. After a few calls to the manager on duty and the hospital pastor, I secured an exemption so her daughter could come before surgery. When she arrived, she thanked me for making it happen, saying it brought her mother peace in one of her most anxious moments. These experiences reinforced that human touch in nursing is about more than clinical skill—it’s about compassion, advocacy, and connection. It’s what transforms care from a task into a calling, and it’s the reason I’m proud to pursue nursing.