Nursing is not only a science, but it is an art. Nurses are committed to providing care, comfort, and empathy to patients as well as advocating for them in a time of most dire need. The way that a nurse builds relationships with their patients is an art in itself, and it is the reason that inspired me to be a nurse. When I was a sophomore in college, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within two days she has a mastectomy and spend several days in the hospital completely vulnerable, terrified, and in shock. Healthcare workers floated in and out of her room, filling her ears with education, updates on her next steps, and how she would have to adjust to life without a piece of her own body. While all of this was informing for her and for my family, the ones who were there for her when she became overwhelmed were her nurses. I remember one nurse in particular that completely changed the way that I looked at the profession. She was sitting with my mother who was overwhelmed by the news that reconstruction surgery was not possible. To explain the story better, I fully immerse you in the moment that showed the vales and traits exemplified by Cindy in this nurse. Clouds versus a silver lining. Important not only in daily life but also through sickness and health. My mother lie awake in her hospital bed after her first chemotherapeutic treatment and looked at the nurse dead in her eyes. She told her that she sat down in the oncology patient room, waiting for her first round for the month. She said it depressed her. She told the nurse that she was crushed and that it was a cloud. The nurse thought about this for a long time without responding. She thought about the clouds that others added into my mother's life by saying, “at least they caught it early” and "at least you’re alive now”. She looked for a silver lining. Something to let my mother know that clouds pass. That winds blow away the grey and that the weather is never unchanging. The nurse wanted my mother to feel strong again. She looked at my mother in the eyes once more and told her that even though she could not understand exactly what my mother was going through, she cared for her for who she was there in that moment. No matter what she looked like, symmetrical or not, she would do it over again in the exact same way. Then she proceeded to say in a calm and compassionate voice "and I feel this love and I feel this way because I am your nurse". The nurse did not say that she was happy that my mother was still here. She did not say that one day she may be able to watch me, her daughter, walk down the aisle. She simply just showed her love. My mother smiled at her, a genuine smile. Not beaming with happiness, but a little spark showed through all kinds of pain. Love, that was her nurses silver lining. So that was my mother's too, and it is what inspired me to be a nurse.

Growing up Catholic, being pro-life was a position that I have always stood for. However, my stance on the matter goes further and deeper than religious beliefs. It is easy to have an option, but having a passion for something, especially as critical as this stance, is something that I pride. As a nursing student, I have been able to work with countless patients. My favorite experiences have been with pregnant mothers and newborn babies. Every time I stepped into my Obstetrics clinical I was speechless. Life is beautiful, and giving life is even more spectacular. Through education of newly pregnant mothers, to laboring them through birth, I have seen the good and the devastating events that can occur when giving birth. The one thing that I will never forget, is how fragile innocent new life is. As a nursing student it is my job to advocate for mothers that are expecting their babies. It is not only my job to advocate for them, but for their unborn children as well. Taking on a job such as this is not easy. It comes with trials and tribulations, but spreading awareness and education is the first and most important step. I remember having a young patient in her early twenties. She was terrified because she was going to be a single mother, and was wondering if her choice to keep her baby was the wisest decision. I was able to give her options and provide support regarding finances and also teach her ways to overcome this period in her life. By explaining the joys and promoting the positivity of giving life to a child, I was able to ease her apprehension. She was able to approach her birthing journey in a new light and with a new attitude. Sometimes, it is as easy as talking about the baby as if it has already been born. Why is that? It is because the baby is in fact alive. It is because that baby deserves every bit of dignity that we do. Through this education, I am actively promoting the value of human life from conception to natural death. I have found this to be my passion for many reasons, and I cannot wait to become a Midwife and continue to spread this education to all mothers who are scared and hopeless. Giving life is a beautiful opportunity, and it is my job to spread awareness about how intimate it is. No matter how hard the challenge may be for a mother, it is my job to walk alongside her and her unborn baby. If there is just one person walking alongside them it is better than none. Even though the road may be hard for some individuals, it is never to late to choose life.