Like many who decide to make nursing their life’s work, my passion for nursing came after a family heath scare. A few years ago my dad became very ill. The nurses who cared for him didn’t just help him recover, they also cared for my whole family with understanding and kindness. Their compassion, kindness, and expertise inspired me to follow in their footsteps with a career in nursing. Over the last 13 years I have driven myself in competitive Irish dance. Countless hours of classes, practicing, and competing around the world have taught me the value of hard work, dedication, strength in adversity, grit, and determination. Although I have enjoyed competitive success, I’ve found that helping my fellow dancers--cheering them on, offering advice and encouragement, teaching private lessons for younger dancers--is where I am at my best. My goal is to become a pediatric nurse. I want to use the skills I developed through dance and the joy I get from working with children to better serve families in my community. I’m excited for my future, and I’m ready to begin.