Attending a Catholic high school has been a significant part of my educational journey, shaping not only my academic experience but also my personal growth. The values instilled in me during those formative years have had a profound impact on my decision to pursue a career in nursing, so much that I also decided to attend a college apart of the holy cross community. At my Catholic high school, I was surrounded by a community that emphasized the importance of compassion, service, and empathy. These values were not just taught in the classroom but were also tied into the fabric of daily life. I learned that helping others and caring for those in need were not just noble ideals but essential aspects of living a fulfilling and purposeful life. The emphasis on service and giving back to the community left a lasting impression on me, igniting a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. I joined my Social Justice Leadership program, became the secretary for the Black Student Union, and even joined the Student Ambassadors. My faith has also played a central role in shaping my decision to pursue nursing. As a person of faith, I believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. This belief has fueled my desire to enter a profession where I can provide care and support to those who are most vulnerable and in need. Nursing, with its focus on healing, comfort, and compassion, aligns closely with the values I hold dear. I see nursing not just as a career but as a calling, a way to live out my faith in a tangible and meaningful way. The combination of my experiences at a Catholic high school and my deep-rooted faith has solidified my decision to pursue nursing as a career. I am drawn to the opportunity to care for others in their time of need, to be a source of comfort and support, and to make a positive impact on the lives of those I encounter. I am excited about the prospect of using my skills and knowledge to serve others and contribute to the well-being of my community. My time at a Catholic high school has prepared me to approach nursing with a compassionate heart, a strong sense of ethics, and a commitment to excellence. I am confident that my background and beliefs will guide me as I embark on this rewarding and fulfilling career path.

As I begin my journey in pursuing nursing, my motivation is to help bridge the gap in healthcare outcomes for Black children and adults. The healthcare disparities affecting the Black community are deeply rooted and pervasive. Studies consistently show that we face higher rates of chronic illness, reduced access to quality care, and overall worse health outcomes. According to the Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Adults: National Health Interview Survey, the percentage of Black adults ages 18 and over who are in poor health is 18.8% as of 2022. Socioeconomic factors, systemic racism, and unequal access to healthcare resources heavily contribute to these disparities. My journey towards becoming a nurse to address these disparities is significant and deeply personal. I have witnessed, and even personally experienced, the struggle and adversity to gain access to quality healthcare and this profoundly motivates me. When I was three years old, I woke one night in excruciating pain radiating from my knee. This pain persisted for several days and nights until my mom took me to the emergency room. Upon examination, the nurses found fluid buildup that had caused swelling and pressure on my nerves. The nurses quickly drained my knee and discharged me only moments later. There was no follow-up, no explanation, we were simply told I was fine and could go home. We didn’t even get to our car when the charge nurse called my mom and declared I needed to go back right away. They were concerned I would have chronic issues with my knee if the cause was not found. We waited for the doctor for two hours, curious as to why I suddenly needed a change of medical care. My mom and I learned that we were asked to come back because the staff had confirmed we could afford the proper medical care I needed to address the etiology of my knee pain and swelling. The doctor had assumed that because my mom was young and Black, she couldn’t afford the comprehensive healthcare I needed. Even as a three-year-old, I was, and still am, so confused and hurt. In conclusion, my decision to become a nurse is deeply rooted in my aspiration to address healthcare disparities affecting Black Americans. The urgent need for change, personal motivation, and the potential impact of my nursing on patient care and healthcare policy advocacy all drive my pursuit of this career. As I embark on this journey, I am determined to be a catalyst for change, striving to create a healthcare system that provides equitable access and quality care for all, regardless of racial, ethnic, or economic background.