As a child and continuing into my adulthood, my biggest advocate has always been my grandfather. Growing up with little support himself, he has always made it a point to provide stability and guidance within my life. Even if he failed to have all of the answers, he would work to find them if it meant pushing me to success. Even now, he has been the spine to my future nursing career by encouraging, advising, and assisting me in any little way he can. While most little girls would rush to the toy isle to grab play-dough, baby dolls, and makeup, my eye was always caught on dress up. Not the kind of dress up that involved heels, Disney Princess dresses, bows, and nail polish, but the kind that involved a white coat and a stethoscope. For career day in my kindergarten class, that was exactly what I wore. My grandpa was the one to buy the outfit and drive me to class that day. "I want to be a doctor when I grow up!" is what I claimed and stuck to for years. The idea of protecting and advocating for those who were vulnerable appealed to my interest. In my opinion, the world needed more safe spaces, and I was prepared to be that safe space for anyone who needed it. I had always taken notice to those around me whose health was deteriorating, and how they described their experiences. They felt they were surrounded by healthcare professionals who showed no compassion. In addition, there was a lack of adequate healthcare options/resources in their areas. To me, those two points were vital, and I wanted to be a part of the change to better people's experiences as clients in healthcare. In my high school years, I did more research into what it would mean to attend med school, for anesthesia specifically. I eventually found that the nursing route, RN to CRNA, would suit me better. So, as a now first semester Registered Nursing Student, I am moving towards completing and succeeding in that dream, one step at a time. Working hard to achieve your goals and participate in society brings purpose to many of our lives. In addition, I find that investing in a work-life balance is just as important. If I were to be provided the opportunity to make the world a better place, I would create a space for people to strip away their mental load. More specifically, I would create and pass a "fun law." This would delegate everyone to spend at least 2 hours a day relaxing and participating in activities of their choice. The mindset that life has to be only about working odd hours at odd jobs, filled with priorities 24/7, getting no sleep, and constantly filling our schedules with things to do is stressful and flawed. Our Earth provides us with everything we could ever need, and yet we tend to take little time to ground ourselves and enjoy the fruits of God's favor. The more time we set aside to prioritize our mental states, the less stress we carry, and the better our mood/performance is in our day to day lives. Our participation in society holds weight within ourselves and to others, however, it should not overwhelm us. The drive to succeed and protect those important to us should be maintained, but it is just as important to pour into ourselves. It is important to note that fruits of our labor only matters if we allow ourselves the time and space to enjoy it. - Thank you. Kiera Lynch

There’s been times growing up where I’ve had to depend on school lunch and aid to eat during the day. Food options were limited as were quantities. I would grow the most excited to spend weekends and holidays at my grandparents’ houses in hopes for home cooked meals. Cornbread, greens, pasta salad, and beef were my favorite options. Ice cream on the side would tend to my cravings as well. However, once the trip was over I would go back to instant and quick meals. As my mother further developed her education and work experience, options had become plentiful. My grandpa would also aid by giving my siblings and I money every month. I remained appreciative of every meal, every penny, and every effort. As I aged, I began to feel empathy for those who I shared these experiences with, as well as those who had it worse. On my account, I decided to assist my grandfather with volunteering at the church pantry. Going to Sam’s and Costco’s, buying things in bulk, transporting them, and sorting them out were part of our job. Waking up early in the mornings and finishing up by the afternoon was the normal schedule. Donating food cans of my own was a personal effort of mine. Although school and my studies wouldn’t allow me to participate every day, I still made an effort. I had figured that anything counted and that everything was appreciated. I was not focused on making a profit or benefiting materially, instead I mainly desired to make an impact on people’s lives. That is partially the reason I chose to go into the healthcare field—to aid. I once asked my grandfather who specifically did the food we distributed go to. His response was “anyone who needed it.” Members of the pantry, homeless shelters, church members, extended family, friends, schools, communities, and more were more than welcome to ask for help. This was an ideology that astonished me: help is not conditional. Food has developed into a centerpiece of how I bond with family and friends. It has become one of my biggest enjoyments. I cannot imagine living in a world where children and their families are denied such an experience. So I made it my mission to do my part, no matter how little or big. Kids who can grow to adulthood, and adults who can age into the elderly are the main goal. I wish for people to have a healthy relationship with food, not traumatic ones.

Education is a powerful resource in the world of opportunity and prosperity. From a young age, this was a theme constantly preached to me by my grandfather. He was the first in his family to graduate college at Jackson State University, and recollected many opportunities he’d lost and gained due to the lack or presence of education. “Don’t make the same mistakes I did, instead, make new ones,” a frequently repeated statement he would oftentimes say. Through the encouragement my grandfather provided me to further my education and work towards success, I would become more motivated to strengthen my skills and knowledge. As I further my pursuit of said knowledge, I aim to gain the experience and information required to become a Nurse Anesthetist. Similarly to my grandfather, I have taken a great notice to the impact education can have in unlocking doors one may have once believed to be impenetrable. Extending one’s world view and refusing ignorance holds great power in doing so. However, restricting one’s accessibility to any form of information can only hinder their development, ability to be independent, and opportunities. Our former United States President, George Washington, claimed in his farewell address that morality, religion, and education were vital for a republic to succeed. In his eyes, knowledgeable country equaled a strong country. Education would explain what was important, while religion and morality would explain why it was important. This viewpoint would become an important precedent set by Washington, and would be followed for centuries to come within our country. It is my goal to utilize the power in such a statement, and further my education to accomplish great things in my future. Upon graduating from college, a pursuit in the field of healthcare would resonate with me. Specifically speaking, becoming a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) is the career I wish to obtain. Nurses in this line of work deal with providing anesthesia, and any other related care to patients in a surgical environment. Such a field would allow me the opportunity to care for others on an intimate level, learn more about the human body and its needs, as well as to obtain financial stability. With time, these experiences would allow me the gift of wisdom and professionalism. Hopefully, I would be able to pass said wisdom down to future generations, allowing them access to the doors they once believed would forever be locked. Prosperity and opportunity are a few among the many advantages of furthering one’s education. As the inhabitants of the world navigate through the trials and tribulations that attempt to cloud their view, sagacity and knowledge can illuminate what was once believed to be a deep fog. Education offers comfort, wisdom, stability, understanding, and accessibility. Utilizing this would allow me to pursue my goals and succeed in my ambitions. Knowledge is key, knowledge is resourceful, and best of all, knowledge is power.