When I enlisted in the United States Navy, it was my deep-hearted desire to work in the medical field and pursue a degree as a Nurse Practitioner. My aspiration to nursing was through a family nurse who cared for my great-grandmother during her later years. Her compassion and drive were the exact personalities I wanted to abide by and portray when I became a nurse. My aunt was also an inspiration to my choosing this profession. The stories she shared and her joy when caring for her patients intrigued my interest. At this point, I decided to complete all science courses in high school to pave the way toward my nursing career. As I began my journey in the Navy, I strived to do my best, and as such, I surrounded myself with excellent mentorship and a mentality of self-realization. Although I could not automatically pursue my nursing career, I completed my associate degree in medical assisting, including prerequisites for my nursing degree. Upon completion, I applied for the Medical Enlistment Commissioning Program, and through my hard work and dedication, I was selected and earned my nursing degree at Jacksonville University. Throughout my 24 years of enlisted and commissioned service, I have developed the technical and leadership foundation to take the next step as an advanced practice nurse. The experiences of my nursing career, from a Medical Surgical nurse, a Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse to a certified Ambulatory Care nurse, have shaped my qualities and views, inspiring me to pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty role. I must continue my nursing career toward my nurse practitioner path to render homage to all the nurse mentors, including my aunt and the nurse who cared for my great-grandmother. In this professional community, I will serve the Navy Nurse Corps by addressing medical issues in a compassionate, comprehensive, and integrative manner utilizing a collaborative approach with emphasis on the prevention of disease and promotion of health and wellness. Following my commitment to the Navy, I will continue to provide high-quality care to active-duty members, veterans, and their families by working as a government employee within the military health system. My commitment to service and sincere concern for the well-being of others assure my success as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I believe my drive and aspirations to continue serving the community and nation afford me this opportunity to accept this scholarship award.

When I initially enlisted in the United States Navy, it was my deep-hearted desire to work in the medical field and pursue a degree as a Nurse Practitioner. My aspiration to nursing was through a family nurse who cared for my great-grandmother during her later years. Her compassion and drive were the exact personalities I wanted to abide by and portray when I become a nurse. My aunt was also an inspiration to my choosing this profession. The stories she shared and the joy she felt when caring for her patients intrigued my interest. It was at this point, I decided to complete all science courses in high school to pave the way toward my nursing career. As I began my journey in the Navy, I strived to do my best, and as such, I surrounded myself with excellent mentorship and a mentality of self-realization. Although I was unable to automatically pursue my nursing career, I completed my Associate degree in medical assisting including prerequisites for my nursing degree. Upon completion, I applied for the Medical Enlistment Commissioning Program and through my hard work and dedication, I was selected and earned my nursing degree at Jacksonville University. Throughout my 23 years of enlisted and commissioned service, I have developed the technical and leadership foundation required to take the next step as an advanced practice nurse. The experiences of my nursing career from a Medical Surgical nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse to a certified Ambulatory Care nurse, have shaped my qualities and views which inspired me to pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty role. I must continue my nursing career toward my NP path to render homage to all of my nurse mentors including my aunt and the nurse who cared for my great-grandmother. In this professional community, I will serve the Navy Nurse Corps by addressing medical issues in a compassionate, comprehensive, and integrative manner utilizing a collaborative approach with emphasis on the prevention of disease and promotion of health and wellness. Following my commitment to the Navy, I will continue to provide high-quality care to veterans and military families by working as a government employee. My commitment to service and sincere concern for the well-being of others assure my success as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I believe my drive and aspirations to continue serving the community and nation afford me this opportunity to accept this scholarship award.