The trade I’m passionate about pursuing is Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN). For me, this path is about more than just a career. It’s about changing my life and creating a better future for my daughter. I come from a low-income household, and I’ve seen how hard it can be to get ahead when you’re starting with very little. I want to be the one to break that cycle and start building something better for the next generation. For me, that begins with becoming a nurse. Nursing has always stood out to me because it combines compassion, hard work, and purpose. I’ve always been the kind of person who takes care of others, whether it’s helping family or being the one friends turn to when they’re going through something. But what really pushed me toward nursing was becoming a mother. After having my daughter, everything shifted. I realized that I didn’t just want a job. I wanted a stable, meaningful career that would allow me to take care of her and set a strong example. I want her to grow up knowing that with determination, it's possible to change your circumstances. My inspiration also came from personal experiences with nurses in hospitals and clinics. I’ve seen how much of a difference a kind and attentive nurse can make, especially when you’re scared or unsure of what’s going on. Nurses were there when my family members were sick, and I’ll never forget the way they made us feel seen and supported. They didn’t just do their jobs. They truly cared. That’s the kind of nurse I want to be someone people can count on during some of the most difficult times in their lives. The LVN trade is a great fit for me because it’s hands-on, practical, and focused on real human connection. I love that I’ll be able to work directly with patients, not just treating their symptoms, but also helping them feel safe, understood, and cared for. I’m excited to learn the medical side of things like how to take vitals, give medications, and monitor patient conditions, but what I’m really passionate about is making a personal impact. Long-term, my goal is to use my nursing career to build stability and create opportunities for me and my daughter. I want to be financially independent, buy a home one day, and show her what’s possible with hard work and heart. I also want to give back to my community by working in underserved areas, volunteering at clinics, and eventually mentoring others who come from backgrounds like mine. Choosing to become an LVN is about changing my life and my daughter’s life for the better. It’s about creating generational wealth, not just financially, but through education, empowerment, and compassion. This trade is the first step on a path that means everything to me.

I chose to pursue a career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) because I have always had a deep desire to help others, especially during their most vulnerable moments. Nursing gives me the opportunity to care for people not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. It’s a career that combines compassion with hands-on skill, and that’s what truly speaks to my heart. From a young age, I was drawn to the medical field. I’ve always been interested in how the body works and how people heal. But what really solidified my interest in nursing was seeing the impact that kind, attentive nurses had on my own family members during times of illness. The way they brought comfort, explained things clearly, and made sure everyone felt cared for left a lasting impression on me. I knew I wanted to be that person for someone else someday. As an LVN, I’ll be able to provide direct care to patients checking vital signs, administering medications, assisting with daily tasks, and supporting patients’ recovery. I love that this role allows me to be closely involved in a patient’s journey. Every patient is unique, and being able to listen, connect, and respond to their individual needs is one of the things I look forward to most. What also excites me about nursing is that it’s a career where learning never stops. The medical field is constantly evolving, and staying up to date means I’ll always be growing and improving. I take pride in knowing that the knowledge and skills I develop will directly impact the well-being of others. In the future, I plan to give back to my community in several meaningful ways. First, I want to volunteer at local health clinics and community events that offer free care and education to those who may not have access to regular medical services. There are so many people who go without basic care simply because they can’t afford it or don’t know where to go. I want to help change that. I also hope to be involved in community health education teaching people about topics like disease prevention, nutrition, hygiene, and how to manage chronic conditions. I believe that educating people empowers them to take better care of themselves and their families. Eventually, I want to mentor other young people who are interested in healthcare, especially those from underserved communities. I know how important it is to have someone who believes in you and can guide you along the way. I want to be that support system for others, just like others have been for me. Becoming an LVN is more than just a career goal it’s my way of giving back and making a lasting impact on the lives of others. It’s a path I’m proud to follow, and I’m committed to using it to serve my community with compassion, skill, and heart.

I graduated from high school in 2022 and initially pursued nursing by enrolling in a community college RN program. At that time, I was eager to enter the healthcare field, believing that becoming a registered nurse was the right path for me. However, after some time in the program, I realized that the traditional RN track might not be the best fit for my current life circumstances. I decided to explore a different path and switched my focus to real estate, hoping it would offer a quicker route to financial independence. Fast-forward to September 2024, when I gave birth to my daughter. Becoming a mother transformed my perspective on my career and future. I found myself tired of working minimum-wage jobs that didn’t provide the financial stability or opportunities for growth that I wanted for my family. I knew I needed a career that would allow me to support my daughter and myself in a meaningful way. This realization motivated me to return to school at American Career College to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). I saw this as a practical and fulfilling way to build a better life for us both. Growing up in a minority, low-income household, I have always faced challenges, but I’ve also developed resilience and determination. I’m committed to breaking generational cursespoverty, lack of opportunity, and limited access to education and to creating a legacy of success and stability. My desire to pursue nursing isn’t just about personal advancement; it’s about changing the trajectory for my family and community. The defining moment that confirmed nursing as my true calling came during my pregnancy. I was hospitalized with preeclampsia, a serious condition that put both my health and my baby’s at risk. During this frightening and vulnerable time, a nurse who was an LVN cared for me with incredible compassion and professionalism. She provided not only medical support but also emotional comfort. Her dedication and kindness made a deep impression on me. She took the time to explain her role and encouraged me to consider becoming an LVN myself. Her encouragement, combined with my own experiences, helped me realize that this career path would allow me to work in a field I care deeply about while balancing my responsibilities as a mother. Choosing the LVN program also makes sense practically. The program length is shorter than the RN track, which means I can complete my education and begin working before my daughter turns three years old. The pay is better than minimum wage, offering financial relief and stability. Most importantly, it is a career where I can make a difference helping patients feel heard, safe, and cared for. Returning to school is a second chance for me a chance to overcome hardships, prove my strength, and build a future grounded in hope and opportunity. Becoming an LVN is not just a job goal; it’s a commitment to my daughter and myself that we will rise above the obstacles we’ve faced and thrive.

I chose to pursue a career in the trades specifically in healthcare after giving birth to my daughter in September 2024. Becoming a mother changed everything for me. It made me re-evaluate my priorities, my future, and the kind of role I wanted to play in the world. I knew I needed to find a career path that was not only practical and stable but also meaningful and aligned with my values. That’s what led me to nursing. Healthcare is one of the few fields that will always be needed. No matter how much the world changes, people will always need compassionate, skilled care. I wanted to choose a trade that I could get into fairly quickly and still be proud of. Nursing stood out to me not only because of job security, but because of the type of impact it allows you to have on someone’s life. I want to be that nurse who makes someone’s day better ,who makes them feel safe, seen, and understood. Whether they’re scared, in pain, or just feeling alone, I want to be the person who gives them hope and reassurance. My passion for this work also comes from personal experiences. I’ve had family members who were mistreated in healthcare facilities ignored, rushed, or spoken to without compassion. Watching that made me realize how much of a difference one kind, patient, and respectful healthcare worker can make. We’re all human beings, and no one deserves to be treated like less than that, especially in moments of vulnerability. I want to be a nurse who treats every patient with dignity, regardless of their background, race, or circumstances. One of the social causes I care most deeply about is healthcare equity. I believe everyone deserves access to respectful, high-quality care, especially people in underserved communities. As a Black woman, I know what it’s like to be overlooked or not taken seriously, and I’ve seen that same thing happen to people I love. I want to be part of changing that, one patient at a time. I also care deeply about supporting single mothers and survivors of domestic violence, because I’ve lived that experience myself. Being a single mom while trying to go to school and rebuild my life hasn’t been easy. But I want to be living proof that it’s possible to rise after being knocked down. I’m not just pursuing this career for myself and my daughter—I’m doing it to show other women that healing, growth, and success are possible. This career isn’t just a job to me. It’s a calling, a second chance, and a way to help others find light in their darkest moments.

I have been personally impacted by domestic violence in a way that completely changed the course of my life. During my pregnancy, I experienced abuse from my child’s father. Abuse that left me emotionally scarred and physically vulnerable. Instead of receiving support during that critical time, I found myself isolated and afraid. Eventually, he left me homeless. I was financially dependent on him, unable to work, and struggling to find a way forward while preparing to bring a child into the world. It was the most difficult and frightening time of my life. That experience forced me to become stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever. I knew I had to rebuild not just for myself but for my daughter as well. I made the decision to pursue higher education so I could build a stable and secure future for us. Getting an education is more than just earning a degree, it is the foundation for a better life. It gives me the tools to become financially independent, emotionally grounded, and able to give back to others who are walking a similar path. Balancing school, parenting, work, and daily responsibilities hasn’t been easy. I currently pay rent and tuition out of pocket while raising my daughter as a single mother. There are moments when I feel overwhelmed, but I continue to push forward because I know the struggle is temporary and the rewards will last a lifetime. I want to set an example for my daughter, showing her that strength, education, and perseverance can change lives. Through my education, I hope to work directly with African American women affected by domestic violence and substance abuse. My goal is to help improve the systems that are supposed to support us making sure they are accessible, coordinated, and compassionate. Too often, women of color are overlooked or underserved due to a lack of culturally competent care and effective communication between service providers. I want to change that. By becoming an advocate and working within the community, I plan to offer trauma-informed support that reflects real-life experiences and empowers women to rebuild their lives. I believe that care must be holistic, inclusive, and rooted in understanding. My personal journey is painful, but it has given me a purpose: to improve outcomes for African American women and help create the future we all deserve and show that there nothing nobody can stop us from pursuing.