Growing up with a single mother is one of the greatest influences on who I am today. I watched my mom raise four children on her own, often working multiple jobs just to keep us fed, safe, and supported. There were days when I could see how tired she was, but she never let that stop her from showing up for us. She put our needs before her own over and over again. She taught us that love shows itself not only in words but in sacrifices, tough decisions, and unshakable dedication. As a child I did not always understand how much strength it took for my mom to do everything she did. Now that I am a single mother myself, I have a completely different appreciation for her. I understand the moments when she probably cried in private but wiped her tears before we woke up. I understand what it feels like to carry the weight of every decision on your own and still try to smile in front of your child. I understand what it means to love someone so deeply that you would work endlessly to give them the life they deserve. Growing up in a home where resources were sometimes limited taught me resilience and gratitude. We learned how to make the most out of what we had and to stay hopeful even during difficult times. My mother never let us believe that our circumstances defined our future. She pushed us to focus on education, responsibility, and faith. She showed us that strong women can rise above challenges and that family is not measured by money but by love. Seeing her strength shaped me into the woman I am becoming. It inspired me to set goals that will break generational barriers. It pushed me to make education a priority so that I can build a different kind of future for myself and my daughter Peyton. When I found out I was pregnant, I thought back to how my mom managed motherhood alone and found a way to succeed. Her strength became the reminder that I could do the same. Today I raise my daughter with the same love and determination that I witnessed growing up. I want Peyton to feel the stability, support, and reassurance that my mother worked so hard to give us. I want her to grow up knowing that no matter what life looks like, she is capable of achieving anything. I want her to see that being a single mother does not limit you. It pushes you to discover the power you never knew you had. My mother taught me how to love deeply, how to work hard even when exhausted, and how to rise every time life feels heavy. She showed me what it means to be strong. Now I get to pass that strength on to my daughter. Being raised by a single mom shaped me into a woman who refuses to give up, who leads with compassion, and who understands that the hardest moments often build the greatest character. For that, I will always be grateful.

My inspiration for becoming a nurse comes from one of the most important moments of my life. When I became a mother to my daughter Peyton, I knew I wanted to create a future where she could look at me and see strength, love, and a purpose bigger than myself. During labor and the days that followed, the nurses who cared for me made an impact that I still hold close. They were there when I was scared and unsure. They guided me, spoke gently to me, and helped me believe that I could take care of my baby and myself. They did more than their job. They made me feel safe. That experience opened my eyes to the kind of power nurses have. They are often the ones who remind patients that they are capable and strong even when the situation feels overwhelming. I want to become a nurse who brings that same comfort and confidence to others. I want to support mothers and families who may feel alone or afraid, and let them know they have someone on their side. I have also been motivated by the challenges I have faced as a single mother and student. Every class I take and every step I make forward is not just for me, but for my daughter’s future. She inspires me to keep going on days that feel stressful or heavy. I want her to grow up believing that she can overcome anything because she watched me do it. Nursing allows me to build a better life for us while dedicating my career to helping others. That is what truly inspires me. To me, the phrase human touch means caring for a person in a way that reminds them they are more than a patient. It means recognizing the emotions behind the illness and the fear that often comes with being in a hospital or clinic. Human touch is the act of connecting with someone through compassion, presence, eye contact, a warm voice, or even a simple hand placed on theirs. It is the reminder that even during sickness or pain, they are still valued as a human being. Human touch can change the entire healthcare experience. When a patient is scared or confused, a nurse who listens without judgment can help calm their mind. When a mother feels overwhelmed after giving birth, a nurse who offers patience and guidance can help her feel capable and strong. When a child is crying in fear, a nurse who kneels beside them and speaks kindly can help them feel safe again. These moments may seem small, but they can shape how a patient remembers their care for the rest of their life. I experienced the power of human touch firsthand when I became a mother. I was anxious and emotional. The nurses who cared for me did not rush. They looked at me, talked to me, and encouraged me. That connection gave me confidence that I did not have before. It showed me how healing goes far beyond medicine. In nursing, human touch also builds trust. Patients are more likely to share concerns and follow treatment plans when they feel understood and respected. It can reduce stress levels, improve comfort, and even support physical healing. My goal as a future nurse is to always include human touch in my care. I want every patient to feel seen and supported. I want to bring comfort into difficult moments and help people feel strong again. Human touch is what turns healthcare into healing, and that is the kind of nurse I want to be.