I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I am passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on people’s lives. Growing up, I have seen firsthand how important healthcare professionals are in providing comfort, care, and hope during difficult times. Nursing, to me, is not just a job—it’s a calling to serve others with compassion, skill, and dedication. I believe that through nursing, I can combine my love for science with my desire to support and care for people in my community. One of the reasons nursing appeals to me is because it is a field that offers both challenges and rewards. Nurses play a critical role in healthcare by not only providing medical care but also offering emotional support to patients and their families. I want to be that person who listens, comforts, and advocates for those who may feel vulnerable or scared. The idea of being able to make a difference in someone’s recovery or quality of life is very motivating to me. I also appreciate that nursing requires continuous learning and growth. Medicine is always advancing, and as a nurse, I would have the opportunity to keep developing my knowledge and skills throughout my career. This lifelong learning is exciting to me because it means I will always be improving and finding better ways to help my patients. In addition to my passion for nursing, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I come from a background where I have seen how access to quality healthcare can sometimes be limited. I want to contribute to closing that gap by providing compassionate and accessible care to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. By becoming a nurse, I hope to be a trusted resource in my community—someone who people can rely on for not just medical treatment but also guidance and support. Furthermore, I want to inspire others, especially young people from similar backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. Nursing is a profession that values diversity and empathy, and I believe that by becoming a nurse, I can be a role model and encourage others to follow their passions and make a difference as well. My experience balancing school, sports, and work has prepared me well for the challenges of nursing school and the nursing profession. I have learned how to manage my time, stay organized, and remain focused under pressure—all important skills for a nurse. Additionally, playing team sports like swimming and volleyball has taught me the importance of teamwork and communication, which are essential in healthcare settings. In the future, I hope to work in a hospital or community health setting where I can serve patients with respect and kindness. I want to provide care that addresses not only physical health but also the emotional and social needs of my patients. Nursing offers me a path to make a real difference, and I am excited to dedicate myself to this profession.

I am a dedicated and hardworking high school student who is committed to making the most of every opportunity in my life. Balancing academics, athletics, and work has been a big part of my journey. I swim competitively for the DC Swim Team and play volleyball for my school, which has taught me valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and time management. Alongside my commitment to sports and schoolwork, I also work to support both my personal needs and my family. This responsibility has shaped who I am today, giving me a strong sense of perseverance and a deep understanding of the importance of hard work. My commitment to pursuing higher education comes from my belief that college is a crucial step toward building a better future for myself and my family. I am aware that the path ahead will not always be easy, especially because my family faces financial challenges. However, I am determined to overcome these obstacles through dedication, resourcefulness, and by seeking scholarship opportunities that can help make college more affordable. I want to prove that with determination and effort, I can achieve my goals regardless of the difficulties I face. In college, I hope to not only grow academically but also develop the skills and experiences that will prepare me for a successful career. I am interested in fields where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute to my community. Whether that is through healthcare, education, business, or another area, I want to use my degree as a tool to create opportunities for myself and help those around me. My experiences as a student-athlete have prepared me well for the challenges of college life. Swimming and volleyball have taught me how to set goals, manage my time effectively, and stay focused even when things get tough. Competing in sports has also shown me the value of teamwork and leadership, skills I know will be valuable throughout my life. Balancing practice, games, school, and work requires a level of commitment that I am proud of and plan to bring with me to college. I am excited about the chance to be part of a college community where I can continue to grow, meet new people, and explore new ideas. I want to take advantage of every opportunity to learn both inside and outside the classroom, from internships to clubs and volunteer work. These experiences will help me build a well-rounded foundation for my future career. Ultimately, my goal is to graduate with a degree that will open doors to a fulfilling career and allow me to provide financial stability for my family. I am committed to making the most of my college education because I know it is an investment in my future. I believe that with hard work, determination, and support, I can turn my dreams into reality and contribute positively to my community.

Swimming has played a major role in my life, especially because I was diagnosed with asthma as a child. Growing up with asthma meant I had to be careful about my health and the activities I did. When I first started swimming, it wasn’t just a sport for me—it was a way to help manage my condition. Swimming helped improve my lung strength and breathing control, which made living with asthma much easier and more manageable. At first, I struggled with shortness of breath and had to take breaks more often than others, but over time, I noticed real improvement in my endurance and overall lung function. The more I swam, the more I built up my ability to take deeper, more controlled breaths—even during intense physical activity. I also became more aware of my body and how to regulate my breathing when I started to feel winded or anxious. Through swimming, I learned how to stay calm and focused, especially in moments where my breathing felt restricted. These skills have become incredibly important not just in the pool, but in my everyday life, whether I’m exercising, working as a lifeguard, or managing stressful situations. Swimming gave me the tools to better understand my asthma and take control of it rather than let it control me. As I got better at swimming, I fell in love with the sport. It became more than just exercise—it was a challenge that pushed me to be better every day. Swimming taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of hard work. The feeling of gliding through the water and achieving new personal goals motivated me to keep going, even when it got tough. These qualities have helped me in school and in my personal life. My love for swimming also inspired me to become a lifeguard and swim instructor. Working in these roles has allowed me to share my knowledge and passion with others. Teaching kids how to swim, especially those who are nervous or scared, is incredibly rewarding. I know firsthand how important it is to feel safe in the water, and I take pride in helping others gain that confidence. As a lifeguard, I am responsible for keeping people safe, which has taught me to stay alert, make quick decisions, and remain calm under pressure. Swimming has not only helped me overcome my health challenges but has also shaped who I am today. It has given me a sense of purpose and direction for my future. I want to pursue a career in a life-saving field, such as emergency medical services or healthcare, where I can continue to help and protect others. The skills and values I’ve developed through swimming, responsibility, leadership, and compassion will guide me on this path. Overall, swimming has been more than just a sport; it has been a life-changing experience that has improved my health, built my character, and inspired my dreams. I’m grateful for the role it has played in my life and excited for the many opportunities and challenges ahead.