Growing up, I imagined that I would be a teacher. I knew exactly what color my background walls would be and what songs we would sing together in the morning. Then, I wanted to be a therapist. My friends were always confiding their big secrets to me, and I was a great listener, so it seemed like the natural path. Then I wanted to be a surgeon, and that was definitely my calling. I didn’t know exactly what path I would take, but I always knew one thing: I wanted to help people. That clarity deepened when I volunteered at a hospital during my high school years. I traveled back and forth, staying for overnights and weekends. There were months that I spent more nights at the hospital than I did at home. I would watch the doctors and nurses, and I would have great conversations with many of them. I saw and felt the compassion, skill, and purpose that fueled their work. I didn’t know exactly what my role would be, but I knew this was where I belonged—at the heart of patient care. After spending a year at seminary in Israel, I began working at a doctor’s office. Day after day, I watched patients come in with infections, chronic illnesses, or health concerns that didn’t always have quick fixes. I would speak to insurance companies for hours, trying every angle I could to get patients’ medications or medical tests approved. I learned the importance of patience and advocacy, and nothing was more satisfying than telling a patient we succeeded. I also delivered results that patients were not happy about, but I did everything I could to make the news bearable. Soon after, I started volunteering as an EMT, experiencing the intensity of emergency care and the responsibility of being the first to respond in critical moments. Each step led me closer to the clarity I had been searching for: nursing was the perfect balance of science, skill, compassion, and thrill. Today, as a nursing student and a mother, that calling feels stronger than ever. My journey has required resilience. Balancing higher education, clinicals, my leadership role as class president, and motherhood has been demanding, but it has also shown me the strength I carry and the passion that drives me. I know I will always fight for what is right, even when the choice is not the easy one—because the right choice rarely is. My Jewish faith grounds me in this commitment. As Jews, preserving life is one of the most important things we can do. And we do it with dignity and kindness, upholding both our values and the patient’s. These beliefs are at the core of who I am, and they strengthen my resolve to become the kind of nurse who not only heals, but also advocates, comforts, and inspires hope. Nursing is more than a profession to me—it’s a calling. With every step I’ve taken on this journey, I grow more determined to serve others with compassion, courage, and integrity.

Growing up, I imagined that I would be a teacher. I knew exactly what color my background walls would be and what songs we would sing together in the morning. Then, I wanted to be a therapist. My friends were always confiding their big secrets to me, and I was a great listener, so it seemed like the natural path. Then I wanted to be a surgeon, and that was definitely my calling. I didn't know exactly what path I would take, but I always knew one thing: I wanted to help people. The clarity deepened when I volunteered at a hospital during my high school years. I traveled back and forth, staying for overnights and weekends. There were months that I spent more nights at the hospital than I did at home. I would watch the doctors and nurses, and I would have great conversations with many of them. I saw and felt the compassion, skill, and purpose that fueled their work. I didn't know exactly what my role would be, but I knew that this was where I belonged- at the heart of patient care. After spending a year at seminary in Israel, I began working at a doctor's office. Day after day, I watched patients come in with infections, chronic illnesses, or health concerns that didn't always have quick fixes. I would speak to insurance companies for hours, begging and trying as many angles as I could, getting patients' medications or medical tests approved. I learned the importance of patience and advocacy here, and nothing was more satisfying than when I could let a patient know that we succeeded in getting their treatments approved. I would give over results that patients were not happy about, but did everything I could to make the news bearable. I loved my position, and I loved how much I was giving back to the community. Soon after, I started volunteering as an EMT, experiencing the intensity of emergency care and the responsibility of being the first to respond in critical moments. Each step led me closer to the clarity I had been searching for: nursing was the perfect balance of science, skill, compassion, and thrill. Today, as a nursing student and a mother, that calling feels stronger than ever. My journey has required resilience. Balancing higher education, clinicals, my leadership role as class president, and motherhood has been quite demanding, but it has also shown me the strength I carry and the passion that drives me. Nursing is not just a career. It requires chutzpah: courage to make the right decisions, confidence to stand up when something is wrong, and boldness to advocate fiercely for patients. I know I will always fight for what is right, even when the choice is not the easy one- because the right choice rarely is. My Jewish faith grounds me in this commitment. As Jews, preserving life is one of the most important things that we can do. And we do it with dignity and kindness, upholding our values and the patient's. These beliefs are at the core of who I am, and they strengthen my resolve to become the kind of nurse that not only heals, but also advocates, comforts, and inspires hope. This is why I am pursuing nursing- not just as a profession, but as my purpose. With my resilience, faith, and chutzpah guiding me, I am determined to dedicate my career to caring for others, speaking up for those without a voice, and carrying forward the values that define me.

When I was in high school, I volunteered at the hospital for young kids with cancer. I stayed with them overnight so that their mothers can stay home with their other kids, while still having someone that they could rely on to be with their child in the hospital. It was exhausting. Some nights I barely slept, staying awake to console a crying child. Some nights I would diligently text the parents every 30 minutes with the child's vital vital signs so that they can review them in the morning. But most memorable for me, I was there. Three to four times a week, I would go home straight from school, eat dinner and board the train to the city for another night in another hospital. I would leave at seven in the morning, going to classes bleary eyed after sleepless nights. I look back at those days fondly. I made strong connections with these children and their families. Some of the children I stayed with passed away, and I speak to their mothers once a year, on the anniversary of their passing. I remember them all. I stayed with my grandmother the night she passed away in the ICU. My family knew that I did shifts overnight, so to relieve the burden of staying nightly with her, I would go once a week to stay with her. She passed away when I was there, and the nurse that stood with me as I collapsed to the floor will always have a special place in my heart. They all will. The ones that spoke so kindly to my grandmother when she was in a coma, even though she couldn't hear them. The ones that cares for the little girl having a medical crisis and helping her get through it with such love. I did a gap year after high school and got a job as a medical assistant. I interacted with a lot of patients, and tried to do my best to emulate the people that I'd seen in action when I was younger. The nurses, the doctors, the techs, everyone that had an impact on me. I loved my job, but I needed something more. I became an EMT and volunteered at nights and have so many stories that I bring home and keep close to my heart. I try to be a source of comfort when my patients are suffering. Most recently, I became a mother while in nursing school. And it is the most fulfilling job that I have had yet. I love going to school because I love learning and interacting with my classmates, and I love coming home to my son. I look forward to the day that I graduate nursing school with all of my experience behind me, leading me to be the best nurse that I can be.

When I was in 11th grade, I needed a biology tutor after transferring to a new school. I had missed the class the previous year, and it was required for the Regents exam. Initially, I dreaded the idea of extra classes, but my tutor had a way of making biology come to life. She had volunteered in a hospital, spending time with sick children, and her stories about helping others were captivating. Inspired by her, I decided to volunteer as well. The very next day, I signed up to do the same. At the hospital, I spent nights with children whose parents needed a break. I would play with them, comfort them, and keep them company during their hospital stays. I quickly became familiar with basic machine readings and how to offer reassurance to the parents about their child’s condition. One child, Ruchele, particularly touched my heart. She was eight and a half (don’t forget the half!) and had cancer. Her family was in the U.S. for her treatment, and her mother only spoke Yiddish. I often acted as a translator, helping her mother communicate with the staff. We developed a strong bond during our time together, and when Ruchele passed away, I was devastated. That experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. After high school, I became a medical assistant, and later, a volunteer EMT. I worked in a primary care office with patients of all ages, gaining invaluable experience. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was working long 12-hour shifts. The stress and exhaustion were overwhelming at times, but I felt that being there for people when they needed it most reaffirmed that I was on the right path. While my experience in the medical field was incredibly rewarding, I knew that nursing was the next step for me. Fast forward to today, and I am juggling nursing school, motherhood, and serving as class president. The demands of nursing school are tough, and adding motherhood into the mix has been a challenge in itself. There are nights when I barely get any sleep, followed by mornings when I rush to clinicals on little rest. But no matter how difficult, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed. My time management skills have improved dramatically, and I am learning to balance my academic responsibilities, family life, and leadership role. I know that staying focused on my goals is the key to making it all work. Being class president has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. As a nurse, these skills will be essential for working with diverse teams and advocating for patients. I’ve learned how to support my peers, take charge when necessary, and collaborate effectively to achieve common goals. These leadership skills are crucial in nursing, where teamwork is at the heart of providing the best care. What drives me the most about nursing is the opportunity to truly make a difference. It’s not just about the technical skills- it’s about showing up for someone when they need it most. Whether it’s offering comfort during a difficult time or advocating for a patient’s best care, I know that nursing is where I’m meant to be. All of my experiences, from high school to being a medical assistant and EMT, and now as a nursing student, have led me to this point. Every challenge I’ve faced has only fueled my passion for this field. I’m excited to continue this journey, knowing that each step brings me closer to becoming the compassionate, skilled nurse I strive to be.

When I was in 11th grade, I needed a biology tutor after transferring to a new school. I had missed the class the previous year, and it was required for the Regents exam. Initially, I dreaded the idea of extra classes, but my tutor had a way of making biology come to life. She had volunteered in a hospital, spending time with sick children, and her stories about helping others were captivating. Inspired by her, I decided to volunteer as well. The very next day, I signed up to do the same. At the hospital, I spent nights with children whose parents needed a break. I would play with them, comfort them, and keep them company during their hospital stays. I quickly became familiar with basic machine readings and how to offer reassurance to the parents about their child’s condition. One child, Ruchele, particularly touched my heart. She was eight and a half (don’t forget the half!) and had cancer. Her family was in the U.S. for her treatment, and her mother only spoke Yiddish. I often acted as a translator, helping her mother communicate with the staff. We developed a strong bond during our time together, and when Ruchele passed away, I was devastated. That experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. After high school, I became a medical assistant, and later, a volunteer EMT. I worked in a primary care office with patients of all ages, gaining invaluable experience. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was working long 12-hour shifts. The stress and exhaustion were overwhelming at times, but I felt that being there for people when they needed it most reaffirmed that I was on the right path. While my experience in the medical field was incredibly rewarding, I knew that nursing was the next step for me. Fast forward to today, and I am juggling nursing school, motherhood, and serving as class president. The demands of nursing school are tough, and adding motherhood into the mix has been a challenge in itself. There are nights when I barely get any sleep, followed by mornings when I rush to clinicals on little rest. But no matter how difficult, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed. My time management skills have improved dramatically, and I am learning to balance my academic responsibilities, family life, and leadership role. I know that staying focused on my goals is the key to making it all work. Being class president has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. As a nurse, these skills will be essential for working with diverse teams and advocating for patients. I’ve learned how to support my peers, take charge when necessary, and collaborate effectively to achieve common goals. These leadership skills are crucial in nursing, where teamwork is at the heart of providing the best care. What drives me the most about nursing is the opportunity to truly make a difference. It’s not just about the technical skills—it’s about showing up for someone when they need it most. Whether it’s offering comfort during a difficult time or advocating for a patient’s best care, I know that nursing is where I’m meant to be. All of my experiences, from high school to being a medical assistant and EMT, and now as a nursing student, have led me to this point. Every challenge I’ve faced has only fueled my passion for this field. I’m excited to continue this journey, knowing that each step brings me closer to becoming the compassionate, skilled nurse I strive to be

When I was in 11th grade, I needed a biology tutor after transferring to a new school. I had missed the class the previous year, and it was required for the Regents exam. Initially, I dreaded the idea of extra classes, but my tutor had a way of making biology come to life. She had volunteered in a hospital, spending time with sick children, and her stories about helping others were captivating. Inspired by her, I decided to volunteer as well. The very next day, I signed up to do the same. At the hospital, I spent nights with children whose parents needed a break. I quickly became familiar with basic machine readings and how to offer reassurance to the parents about their child’s condition. One child, Ruchele, particularly touched my heart. She was eight and a half (don’t forget the half!) and had cancer. Her family was in the U.S. for her treatment, and her mother only spoke Yiddish. I acted as a translator, helping her mother communicate with the staff. We developed a strong bond, and when Ruchele passed away, I was devastated. That experience solidified my decision to pursue a career in medicine. After high school, I became a medical assistant and later a volunteer EMT. I worked in a primary care office with patients of all ages, gaining experience in many different areas. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I worked long 12-hour shifts. The stress and exhaustion were overwhelming at times, but it reaffirmed my commitment to helping people when they needed it most. However, I knew that nursing was the next step in my career journey. Now, I am balancing nursing school, motherhood, and serving as class president. The demands of nursing school are intense, and adding motherhood to the mix has been challenging. Some nights, I barely sleep and rush to clinicals in the morning on little rest. But I am committed to succeeding. My time management skills have improved significantly, and I’m learning how to balance my academic responsibilities, family life, and leadership role. Staying focused on my goals has helped me manage it all. Being class president has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and communication—skills that will be essential in my nursing career. I’ve learned how to support my peers, take charge when necessary, and collaborate effectively to achieve common goals. In nursing, these leadership skills are vital for providing the best care. What drives me most about nursing is the opportunity to make a tangible difference. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about being there for someone when they need it most. Whether comforting a patient during a difficult time or advocating for their care, nursing is where I know I’m meant to be. Through my career, I hope to make an impact on my community, just as Maureen C. Pace did. Her work in advancing patient care and integrating alternative therapies deeply resonates with me. I aim to bring innovative care and technology into my nursing practice to ensure patients receive the highest quality care. Maureen’s compassion and volunteerism also inspire me. Like her, I plan to offer not only clinical care but also emotional support for patients and their families during their most challenging times. I am dedicated to carrying on Maureen C. Pace’s legacy by providing compassionate, high-quality care, and supporting my community through nursing. Each experience, from my early volunteering to my current nursing studies, has shaped me into the nurse I am becoming. I am excited to continue my journey and make a difference in the lives of those I serv

When I was in 11th grade, I needed a biology tutor after transferring to a new school. I had missed the class the previous year, and it was required for the Regents exam. Initially, I dreaded the idea of extra classes, but my tutor had a way of making biology come to life. She told me that she had volunteered in a hospital, spending time with sick children, and her stories about helping others were captivating. Inspired by her, I decided to volunteer as well. The very next day, I signed up to do the same. At the hospital, I spent nights with children whose parents needed a break. I would play with them, comfort them, and keep them company during their hospital stays. I quickly became familiar with basic machine readings and how to offer reassurance to the parents about their child’s condition. One child, Ruchele, particularly touched my heart. She was eight and a half (don’t forget the half!) and had cancer. Her family was in the U.S. for her treatment, and her mother only spoke Yiddish. I often acted as a translator, helping her mother communicate with the staff. We developed a strong bond during our time together, and when Ruchele passed away, I was devastated. That experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. After high school, I became a medical assistant, and later, a volunteer EMT. I worked in a primary care office with patients of all ages, gaining experience in everything from routine checkups to emergency calls. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was working long 12-hour shifts. The stress and exhaustion were overwhelming at times, but I felt that being there for people when they needed it most reaffirmed that I was on the right path. While my experience in that office was incredibly rewarding, I knew that nursing was the next step for me. Fast forward to today, and I am juggling nursing school, motherhood, and serving as class president. The demands of nursing school are tough, and adding motherhood into the mix has been a challenge in itself. There are nights when I barely get any sleep, followed by mornings when I rush to clinicals on little rest. But no matter how difficult, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed. My time management skills have improved dramatically, and I am learning to balance my academic responsibilities, family life, and leadership role. I know that staying focused on my goals is the key to making it all work. Being class president has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. As a nurse, these skills will be essential for working with diverse teams and advocating for patients. I’ve learned how to support my peers, take charge when necessary, and collaborate effectively to achieve common goals. These skills are so important in nursing, where teamwork is at the heart of providing the best care. What drives me the most about nursing is the opportunity to truly make a difference. It’s not just about the technical skills—it’s about showing up for someone when they need it most. Whether it’s offering comfort during a difficult time or advocating for a patient’s best care, I know that nursing is where I’m meant to be. All of my experiences, from staying in hospitals in high school to being a medical assistant and EMT, and now as a nursing student, have led me to this point. Every challenge I’ve faced has only fueled my passion for this field. I’m excited to continue this journey, knowing that each step brings me closer to becoming the compassionate, skilled nurse I strive to be