Watching my grandfather battle stage 4 lymphatic cancer has been one of the most difficult and defining experiences of my life. I have seen him endure pain, uncertainty, and moments where it seemed like he was slipping away. Witnessing his fight has deeply influenced my decision to become a nurse. It showed me the true meaning of compassion, resilience, and the profound impact healthcare professionals can have not only on the patient but on the entire family. My grandfather’s diagnosis came as a shock to all of us. Over time, the cancer progressed aggressively, and I watched as his body weakened and his spirit was tested every day. The hardest part wasn’t just seeing him suffer physically it was the emotional weight carried by all of us who loved him. Sitting in hospital rooms, holding his hand, and waiting through long nights, I felt helpless. But I also saw something incredible. The nurses who cared for him did not just perform medical tasks; they became our support system. They offered kindness, hope, and reassurance when we needed it most. Their presence was steady and comforting amid the chaos. Those nurses showed me the difference between simply providing care and truly caring. They made my grandfather feel seen and valued, even on his toughest days. They comforted my family and guided us through a frightening and overwhelming journey. Watching them, I realized nursing was more than a job; it was a calling to serve with empathy and strength. Being so close to someone facing a terminal illness taught me about the fragility of life and the power of human connection. It also taught me how important it is to have skilled, compassionate nurses who can ease pain, answer questions, and provide dignity in the face of suffering. I want to be that nurse. I want to be the person who holds a patient’s hand, listens without judgment, and provides comfort when the path ahead feels uncertain. As my grandfather continues to battle cancer, I am inspired every day by his courage and by the care he receives. His journey has not been easy, but it has solidified my commitment to nursing. I want to support patients and families who are going through similar hardships helping them navigate their health challenges with compassion and professionalism. In preparation for this career, I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant license and completed a hospital internship. These experiences gave me firsthand insight into patient care. I learned how important it is to be patient, attentive, and present. Even small acts helping with a meal or providing a reassuring smile can make a big difference in a patient’s day. I want to build on these skills to become a nurse who makes every patient feel respected and cared for. Beyond healthcare, my involvement in service roles such as altar serving and volunteering with the American Legion Auxiliary has deepened my understanding of empathy and community. I have learned how vital it is to be reliable and kind, qualities I plan to bring into my nursing practice. Ultimately, my grandfather’s fight with stage 4 lymphatic cancer has been the catalyst for my nursing journey. It has shown me the importance of compassionate care and inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others during their most vulnerable moments. Nursing is more than a career to me; it is a way to honor my grandfather’s struggle by becoming the kind of nurse who makes a difference, one patient at a time.

One of the most memorable outdoor experiences I’ve had is rafting on the Arkansas River while working at Raft Masters. Although I work in the office helping with bookings and guest services, I also make it a point to get out on the water at least two times a week. Being out on the river has become more than just an activity I enjoy. It has shaped who I am, how I handle challenges, and the direction I want my life to go. The first time I went rafting, I didn’t expect it to impact me the way it did. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by nature, feeling the strength of the current beneath you, and knowing that you and your team have to work together to stay on course. Rafting demands presence, trust, and resilience, qualities that have become central to who I am. Each trip is different. Some days the river is calm; other times, it’s intense and unpredictable. Either way, it teaches you to stay focused, adapt quickly, and stay composed even when things feel out of your control. Rafting has given me confidence I didn’t know I had. Before working at Raft Masters, I had never pictured myself navigating whitewater rapids or spending so much time outdoors. Now, it’s the part of my week I look forward to the most. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, push past fear, and appreciate the strength I’ve developed through experience. These lessons go far beyond the water. They’ve helped me grow as a student, an aspiring nurse, and a leader. Being outdoors so often has also helped me appreciate the power of presence. When you’re on the river, there are no distractions. You’re completely immersed in the moment, surrounded by breathtaking views, rushing water, and the shared energy of your boat crew. That sense of connection with nature, with others, and with yourself is something I carry into every part of my life. It’s helped me slow down, reflect, and stay grounded in what matters most. This experience has shaped the way I approach my own life journey. I’m currently pursuing a career in nursing with the goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). In this field, staying calm under pressure, making quick decisions, and working effectively in a team are critical skills I’ve developed on the river time and time again. Whether it’s guiding a raft through a tough rapid or responding to a medical emergency, both require trust, focus, and the ability to lead while staying composed. Working at Raft Masters has also shown me how important it is to create positive experiences for others. In the office, I help guests feel welcome and prepared for their trips, and on the water, I’ve watched people overcome fears, build memories, and reconnect with each other. Being a part of that process has deepened my passion for helping people, a passion that now fuels my desire to care for patients and support them through difficult moments. Overall, rafting has been far more than a hobby or job perk. It has been a transformative experience that has taught me resilience, courage, and clarity. The river has challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me of my own strength. As I move forward into college and a future career in healthcare, I’ll carry those lessons with me, always ready to face the rapids, both literal and metaphorical, that lie ahead.