The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” always felt off to me. As a child, I wasn’t the typical dreamer. It wasn’t until middle school that I had to consider my future. I took endless personality quizzes to find a career, but nothing resonated with me until the events of 2020 unfolded. With the world gripped by COVID-19 and my new brother arriving, I started to see nurses as heroes. My grandpa’s COVID hospitalization opened my eyes; I realized I wanted to help people like those nurses who aided my family. My perspective was further shaped by my family in Alexandria, Egypt, where a struggling healthcare system has led to myriad personal tragedies. My aunts Basant and Nada both lost their babies due to health complications after birth, highlighting how crucial access to adequate healthcare can be. These experiences fueled my desire to become a nurse, to support patients and their families during difficult times. Volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital has confirmed my passion. One particular boy I played with for two weeks exemplified why I want to be a nurse. His smile and laughter filled me with joy, and knowing I provided his mom a moment of respite clarified my purpose. I understand nursing involves long hours, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion. However, it also means saving lives, and bringing joy to families in need. While I may encounter many Basants and Nadas in my career, I aim to be there for them, offering compassion and support as they navigate their challenges, ensuring they have the best chance for hope and healing.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up, I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020, and from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. The majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. As a result, many of my family members suffered from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she had dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks, I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom, and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

Towards the end of my sophomore year, I knew for sure I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and although I was taking biomedical and health science classes to assist me in achieving this goal l, I wanted to find more ways to get involved and get more experience in the world of healthcare. Before I knew it, my school was announcing local hospital opportunities, and I was introduced to the MUSC Candy Striper program. The MUSC Candy Striper program is a 2-week volunteer period that allows future hopeful health professionals to immerse themselves in the different medical programs, facilities, and opportunities that MUSC offers. Soon after, I quickly applied, went through the interview process, and luckily was accepted into the MUSC Candy Striper Program! This was the beginning of my continuing two-year journey with MUSC. My first year with the program was incredible. MUSC provided an eye-opening experience in the world of healthcare through comprehensive tours, lectures, and seminars of all six colleges. My personal favorite of the six was the School of Nursing, as some representative nurses came out to speak to us about the history of the school and how it came to be, as well as told us personal stories about what inspired them to pursue their careers. The lessons and experiences I gained from my time at MUSC inspired me to continue volunteering there permanently. For my first year, I was placed in the children’s atrium at the Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital. My tasks involved supporting children receiving treatment by visiting them and providing comfort, sanitizing equipment and the general area, and aiding with prepping events and activities for the kids, I’m greatly appreciative to have the privilege of volunteering at MUSC and aiding in any way I could. One experience in particular that influenced my personal growth was during my second year with the Candy Striper program, where I met a special patient who stood out and solidified my decision to healthcare. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that helping others is what I was meant to do with my life. The experience, lessons, and opportunities I have gained from MUSC have both strengthened my passion for my future healthcare career, as well as taught me countless lessons about kindness, compassion, and commitment, all of which are qualities that I believe will make great contributions as a rising student at the South Carolina Honors College. I look forward to joining a community that encourages a similar mindset that MUSC offered me and meeting like-minded individuals who share an interest in healthcare as I do.

The standard question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” always puzzled me. Unlike typical dreamers wanting to be police officers or ballerinas, it wasn’t until middle school that I began pondering my future. As I took personality quizzes searching for a career I might enjoy, I felt lost as a 12-year-old. In 2020, amid the frightening news about the pandemic, I found inspiration in the nurses who became heroes in my eyes. When my grandpa was hospitalized with COVID-19, I knew I wanted to help people like the nurses who had assisted my family. My family’s experiences, both in the U.S. and abroad, further fueled my desire to pursue nursing. In Alexandria, Egypt, where much of my family resides, the healthcare system struggles, leading to heartbreaking losses. My aunt Basant experienced the grief of losing a baby boy after health complications, and my aunt Nada faced a similar fate. Their tragedies highlighted how better resources and healthcare could change lives. These personal stories of loss, combined with the challenges my 32-week-old premature brother and my diabetic grandfather face, inspired my commitment to nursing. I want to stand by patients’ sides, rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them self-care. Over the past few years, I have volunteered at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, and one patient in particular solidified my desire to become a nurse. For two weeks, I interacted daily with a joyful little boy in the playroom. His bright smile and laughter filled me with joy, and knowing I provided his mother with moments of rest and relaxation cemented my decision to pursue nursing. I am excited to start my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year. I understand that while a nursing career will be rewarding, it will also come with long hours and emotional challenges. Yet, it offers the opportunity to save lives and support families during their most difficult times. With each patient, I strive to ensure they have the best chance of survival, providing comfort through challenging moments and being there to hold their hands and dry their tears.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was really forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

Towards the end of my sophomore year, I knew for sure I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and although I was taking biomedical and health science classes to assist me in achieving this goal l, I wanted to find more ways to get involved and get more experience in the world of healthcare. Before I knew it, my school was announcing local hospital opportunities, and I was introduced to the MUSC Candy Striper program. The MUSC Candy Striper program is a 2-week volunteer period that allows future hopeful health professionals to immerse themselves in the different medical programs, facilities, and opportunities that MUSC offers. Soon after, I quickly applied, went through the interview process, and luckily was accepted into the MUSC Candy Striper Program! This was the beginning of my continuing two-year journey with MUSC. My first year with the program was incredible. MUSC provided an eye-opening experience in the world of healthcare through comprehensive tours, lectures, and seminars of all six colleges. My personal favorite of the six was the School of Nursing, as some representative nurses came out to speak to us about the history of the school and how it came to be, as well as told us personal stories about what inspired them to pursue their careers. The lessons and experiences I gained from my time at MUSC inspired me to continue volunteering there permanently. For my first year, I was placed in the children’s atrium at the Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital. My tasks involved supporting children receiving treatment by visiting them and providing comfort, sanitizing equipment and the general area, and aiding with prepping events and activities for the kids, I’m greatly appreciative to have the privilege of volunteering at MUSC and aiding in any way I could. One experience in particular that influenced my personal growth was during my second year with the Candy Striper program, where I met a special patient who stood out and solidified my decision to healthcare. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that helping others is what I was meant to do with my life. The experience, lessons, and opportunities I have gained from MUSC have both strengthened my passion for my future healthcare career, as well as taught me countless lessons about kindness, compassion, and commitment, all of which are qualities that I believe will make great contributions as a rising student at the South Carolina Honors College. I look forward to joining a community that encourages a similar mindset that MUSC offered me and meeting like-minded individuals who share an interest in healthcare as I do.

Towards the end of my sophomore year, I knew for sure I wanted to pursue a healthcare career, and at the time, I was taking biomedical and health science classes to help me work towards that goal. However, I wanted to find more ways to get involved with healthcare- that's when I found HOSA. HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is a CTE organization that empowers future health community leaders and encourages skill development, professional development, and experimental learning. HOSA has shown me an entirely new side of healthcare and has shaped my character through invaluable experiences that go well beyond the classroom and have greatly prepared me, along with my curriculum, for my future career. HOSA has not only helped shape my character but also strengthened my desire to pursue nursing and improve the lives of others. My first year as a member of HOSA allowed me to develop and grow a deeper understanding of the diversity within the healthcare field while still honing in on skills such as leadership and teamwork to prepare me for my desired path in healthcare. These key qualities that I have developed from HOSA, I believe, are crucial for those going into nursing, as well as meaningful contributions to the South Carolina Honors College community. Throughout my first year at HOSA, I was greatly involved in organizing blood drives, getting donors to sign up, coordinating donation drives, and getting involved in community outreach projects such as our yearly Toy for Tots and My Sisters House projects. Currently, in my second year of HOSA as the Senior Vice President, one of my key responsibilities involves coordination with our President to organize outreach events to facilitate fundraising, operating our quarterly blood drives, and facilitating blood drive committee meetings. The leadership role I have acquired from HOSA has taught me the importance of balancing multiple responsibilities, prioritizing, bettering my communication, and working collaboratively with my peers toward a common goal. HOSA has also allowed me to mentor our new members and guide them through prepping for our yearly competitions, as well as inform them of the other healthcare careers out there and encourage them to explore the opportunities HOSA offers them. On one occasion, I had the opportunity to work with a new girl I had recruited to HOSA: Kelsi. I got the chance to teach her about how competing works and the endless options she had to choose from, as well as get her set up with our Community Outreach Committee. I’m proud to say she has found her passion for HOSA, as I did a year prior. The experiences, lessons, and friendships I have gained from HOSA have both strengthened my passion for my future path in healthcare and taught me countless lessons about teamwork, cooperation, and leadership, all of which are skills that I believe will make great contributions as a rising student in the South Carolina Honors College. I look forward to joining a community that encourages a similar mindset to that HOSA has offered me and meeting like-minded individuals who share an interest in healthcare as I do.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

Towards the end of my sophomore year, I knew for sure I wanted to pursue a healthcare career, and at the time, I was taking biomedical and health science classes to help me work towards that goal. However, I wanted to find more ways to get involved with healthcare- that's when I found HOSA. HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is a CTE organization that empowers future health community leaders and encourages skill development, professional development, and experimental learning. HOSA has shown me an entirely new side of healthcare and has shaped my character through invaluable experiences that go well beyond the classroom and have greatly prepared me, along with my curriculum, for my future career. HOSA has not only helped shape my character but also strengthened my desire to pursue nursing and improve the lives of others. My first year as a member of HOSA allowed me to develop and grow a deeper understanding of the diversity within the healthcare field while still honing in on skills such as leadership and teamwork to prepare me for my desired path in healthcare. These key qualities that I have developed from HOSA, I believe, are crucial for those going into nursing, as well as meaningful contributions to the South Carolina Honors College community. Throughout my first year at HOSA, I was greatly involved in organizing blood drives, getting donors to sign up, coordinating donation drives, and getting involved in community outreach projects such as our yearly Toy for Tots and My Sisters House projects. Currently, in my second year of HOSA as the Senior Vice President, one of my key responsibilities involves coordination with our President to organize outreach events to facilitate fundraising, operating our quarterly blood drives, and facilitating blood drive committee meetings. The leadership role I have acquired from HOSA has taught me the importance of balancing multiple responsibilities, prioritizing, bettering my communication, and working collaboratively with my peers toward a common goal. HOSA has also allowed me to mentor our new members and guide them through prepping for our yearly competitions, as well as inform them of the other healthcare careers out there and encourage them to explore the opportunities HOSA offers them. On one occasion, I had the opportunity to work with a new girl I had recruited to HOSA: Kelsi. I got the chance to teach her about how competing works and the endless options she had to choose from, as well as get her set up with our Community Outreach Committee. I’m proud to say she has found her passion for HOSA, as I did a year prior. The experiences, lessons, and friendships I have gained from HOSA have both strengthened my passion for my future path in healthcare and taught me countless lessons about teamwork, cooperation, and leadership, all of which are skills that I believe will make great contributions as a rising student in the South Carolina Honors College. I look forward to joining a community that encourages a similar mindset to that HOSA has offered me and meeting like-minded individuals who share an interest in healthcare as I do.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” often left me puzzled. Unlike my peers who dreamed of becoming police officers or ballerinas, I didn’t consider my future seriously until middle school. Navigating personality quizzes that matched me with potential careers felt endless and unfulfilling. Then came 2020, a year that transformed my perspective amid a global crisis. With the birth of my brother and the challenges presented by the pandemic, I saw nurses as heroes, especially when my grandpa was hospitalized with COVID-19. It was then I realized my desire to help others, inspired by those who cared for my family. Witnessing the struggles of families in Egypt, where my relatives live, emphasized the importance of quality healthcare. My aunt Basant experienced the heartbreak of leaving the hospital without her baby due to health complications, a fate similarly shared by my aunt Nada. Their devastating losses were stark reminders of how essential healthcare can be, and I felt compelled to make a difference in the lives of those who face such hardships. The challenges faced by mothers like Basant and Nada, premature infants, and my diabetic grandfather galvanized my resolve to become a nurse. I want to be there for patients, providing care, counseling, and education on how to manage their health. My time volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital solidified my decision. One particular boy I met during my time there left a lasting impression on me. For two weeks, we spent time together in the playroom, where we played and shared laughter. Seeing his joy and knowing I helped him escape his illness, even momentarily, filled me with purpose. Realizing that my presence also allowed his mother some much-needed respite reinforced my desire to pursue nursing. As I prepare to start my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, I understand the path to becoming a nurse will be both rewarding and challenging. I anticipate long hours, emotional tolls, and mental exhaustion unlike anything I’ve faced before. Yet, this career will enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and support individuals facing their final moments. While I know there will always be more stories like those of Basant and Nada, I am committed to being there for families in their time of need. I aspire to hold their hands, dry their tears, and provide them with the care they deserve, ensuring that every patient has the best chance for a healthier future.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was really forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

Towards the end of my sophomore year, I knew for sure I wanted to pursue a healthcare career, and at the time, I was taking biomedical and health science classes to help me work towards that goal. However, I wanted to find more ways to get involved with healthcare- that's when I found HOSA. HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is a CTE organization that empowers future health community leaders and encourages skill development, professional development, and experimental learning. HOSA has shown me an entirely new side of healthcare and has shaped my character through invaluable experiences that go well beyond the classroom and have extensively prepared me, along with my curriculum, for my future career. HOSA has not only helped shape my character but also strengthened my desire to pursue nursing and improve the lives of others. My first year as a member of HOSA allowed me to develop and grow a deeper understanding of the diversity within the healthcare field while still honing in on skills such as leadership and teamwork to prepare me for my desired path in healthcare. These key qualities that I have developed from HOSA, I believe, are crucial for those going into nursing, as well as meaningful contributions to the South Carolina Honors College community. Throughout my first year at HOSA, I was extensively involved in organizing blood drives, getting donors to sign up, coordinating donation drives, and getting involved in community outreach projects such as our yearly Toy for Tots and My Sisters House projects. Currently, in my second year of HOSA as the Senior Vice President, one of my key responsibilities involves coordination with our President to organize outreach events to facilitate fundraising, operating our quarterly blood drives, and promoting blood drive committee meetings. The leadership role I have acquired from HOSA has taught me the importance of balancing multiple responsibilities, prioritizing, bettering my communication, and working collaboratively with my peers toward a common goal. HOSA has also allowed me to mentor our new members and guide them through prepping for our yearly competitions, as well as inform them of the other healthcare careers out there and encourage them to explore the opportunities HOSA offers them. On one occasion, I had the opportunity to work with a new girl I had recruited to HOSA: Kelsi. I got the chance to teach her about how competing works and the endless options she had to choose from, as well as get her set up with our Community Outreach Committee. I’m proud to say she has found her passion for HOSA, as I did a year prior. The experiences, lessons, and friendships I have gained from HOSA have strengthened my passion for my future path in healthcare and taught me countless lessons about teamwork, cooperation, and leadership, all of which are skills that I believe will make outstanding contributions to the South Carolina Honors College. I look forward to joining a community that encourages a similar mindset to that HOSA has offered me and meeting like-minded individuals who share an interest in healthcare as I do.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was really forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was really forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was really forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

Towards the end of my sophomore year, I knew for sure I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and although I was taking biomedical and health science classes to assist me in achieving this goal l, I wanted to find more ways to get involved and get more experience in the world of healthcare. Before I knew it, my school was announcing local hospital opportunities, and I was introduced to the MUSC Candy Striper program. The MUSC Candy Striper program is a 2-week volunteer period that allows future hopeful health professionals to immerse themselves in the different medical programs, facilities, and opportunities that MUSC offers. Soon after, I quickly applied, went through the interview process, and luckily was accepted into the MUSC Candy Striper Program! This was the beginning of my continuing two-year journey with MUSC. My first year with the program was incredible. MUSC provided an eye-opening experience in the world of healthcare through comprehensive tours, lectures, and seminars of all six colleges. My personal favorite of the six was the School of Nursing, as some representative nurses came out to speak to us about the history of the school and how it came to be, as well as told us personal stories about what inspired them to pursue their careers. The lessons and experiences I gained from my time at MUSC inspired me to continue volunteering there permanently. For my first year, I was placed in the children’s atrium at the Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital. My tasks involved supporting children receiving treatment by visiting them and providing comfort, sanitizing equipment and the general area, and aiding with prepping events and activities for the kids, I’m greatly appreciative to have the privilege of volunteering at MUSC and aiding in any way I could. One experience in particular that influenced my personal growth was during my second year with the Candy Striper program, where I met a special patient who stood out and solidified my decision to pursue healthcare. For about two weeks, I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom, and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that helping others is what I was meant to do with my life. The experience, lessons, and opportunities I have gained from MUSC have both strengthened my passion for my future healthcare career as well as taught me countless lessons about kindness, compassion, and commitment, all of which are qualities that I believe will make great contributions to the South Carolina Honors College. I look forward to joining a community that encourages a similar mindset to the one that MUSC offered me and meeting like-minded individuals who share an interest in healthcare as I do.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was really forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. I am eager to begin my journey at the University of South Carolina Honors College next year, and although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was really forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

The standard societal question of “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” always struck me the wrong way. Growing up I wasn’t the typical dreamer kid wanting to be a police officer or a ballerina, and it wasn’t until middle school I was really forced to think about what I wanted to do with my future. I kept taking those little personality quizzes that are supposed to match you with a job, and it just seemed endless trying to find a career I was passionate about as a 12-year-old. It was 2020 and, from what was seen on the news and in the hospitals, the whole world was scary. Ironically, 2020 was the year my brother was born, and to me, nurses looked like heroes. When my grandpa was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, I realized I wanted to help people like the nurses who have helped my family. Not only have I seen this firsthand in the U.S., but overseas as well. A majority of my family lives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city in a developing country that is not exactly known for its robust healthcare system. And, as a result, many of my family members suffer from medical hardship after medical hardship: My aunt Basant gave birth to a baby boy she dreamed of having. However, after multiple weeks in the hospital and health complications, instead of leaving with a baby in her arms, she left with an empty stroller and a grief-stricken heart because she’d lost her sweet baby boy. Like Basant, my aunt Nada gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and lost him to health complications, and left the hospital just as Basant did. Basant and Nada lost their children to an underdeveloped healthcare system, but with better resources and healthcare providers, their stories could’ve had happier endings. Mothers like Basant and Nada, babies like my 32-week-old premature brother, and elders like my diabetic high-risk grandfather have inspired me to become a nurse and be by patients’ sides to rehabilitate, counsel, and teach them how to care for themselves. Wanting to help patients any way I can, I’ve spent the past few years volunteering at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, but there’s one particular patient who stands out and who solidified my decision to become a nurse. For about two weeks I saw this little boy every day. He would come down to the playroom and we would play, read, color, or do anything unrelated to his illness. Seeing his bright smile every time he walked in, hearing his laughter while we played, and knowing that I was helping him be a kid without a care in the world filled me with joy. Then, realizing this also allowed his mother time to herself - to relax, rest, enjoy a meal - made it clear to me that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Although becoming a nurse will definitely be rewarding, I know there will also be long hours, night shifts, emotional trauma, and mental exhaustion like nothing I've ever experienced. But, it will also enable me to bring life into the world, save lives, and assist those who are at the end of theirs. While there will be more Basants and Nadas throughout my career, at least I will be by their sides, holding their hands, drying their tears, and doing everything in my power to ensure their babies - and they - have the best chance to survive.

Understanding the nature of our universe has been a subject of human curiosity for centuries. It spans various disciplines, including physics, astronomy, philosophy, and metaphysics, each providing unique perspectives and insights. In this exploration, several key ideas and concepts emerge as essential to our pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Firstly, the concept of empirical observation lies at the heart of scientific inquiry into the universe. By systematically observing and experimenting with natural phenomena, scientists gather data to formulate and test hypotheses. This empirical approach allows us to build a progressively clearer picture of how the universe operates, from the microscopic realms of quantum mechanics to the vast expanses of cosmology. Closely linked to empirical observation is the idea of mathematical modeling. Mathematics provides a precise and elegant language that enables scientists to describe complex phenomena and predict outcomes with remarkable accuracy. Mathematical models have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of the universe, from Isaac Newton's laws of motion to Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. Theoretical frameworks also play a crucial role in our quest for understanding. Theories such as the Standard Model of particle physics or the Big Bang theory provide overarching frameworks that organize our knowledge and guide further exploration. They not only explain existing observations but also suggest new avenues for research and discovery. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration is increasingly important in unraveling the mysteries of the universe. Problems such as dark matter and dark energy, which dominate the cosmos but elude direct detection, require insights from multiple fields including particle physics, astronomy, and cosmology. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, we can leverage diverse expertise and perspectives to tackle these complex challenges more effectively. Philosophical and metaphysical concepts also enrich our understanding of the universe, probing questions beyond empirical observation. Cosmology explores the origins and evolution of the universe, addressing profound questions about its beginning and ultimate fate. Philosophy of science examines the nature of scientific knowledge itself, challenging us to consider the limits of our understanding and the assumptions underlying scientific inquiry. In addition to traditional approaches, emerging ideas such as complex systems theory and computational modeling offer new ways to explore the universe's intricate dynamics. Complex systems theory helps us understand how simple rules can give rise to complex behaviors, applicable from biological systems to the formation of galaxies. Computational modeling, powered by advances in computing technology, allows scientists to simulate phenomena that are difficult or impossible to observe directly, providing virtual laboratories for testing hypotheses and exploring scenarios. Furthermore, cosmic phenomena such as black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmic microwave background radiation provide direct observational evidence that informs and challenges our theoretical frameworks. Technologies such as space telescopes, particle accelerators, and gravitational wave detectors continue to push the boundaries of what we can observe and understand about the universe. Education and public engagement are essential in our quest to better understand the universe. We cultivate a society that values evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking by fostering scientific literacy and curiosity from an early age. Public engagement initiatives, such as science festivals and popular science books, bridge the gap between scientists and the broader community, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. Ultimately, the pursuit of understanding the nature of our universe holds profound implications for humanity's future. From technological advancements driven by fundamental research to philosophical insights into our place in the cosmos, our quest for knowledge enriches our collective experience and inspires future generations to continue exploring the unknown. In conclusion, the quest to understand the nature of our universe is a multifaceted endeavor that draws upon empirical observation, mathematical modeling, theoretical frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration, philosophical inquiry, and technological innovation. By embracing these ideas and concepts, we can deepen our understanding of the universe and our place within it, enriching our scientific knowledge and our appreciation of the cosmos. This ongoing exploration expands the frontiers of human understanding and inspires us to contemplate our place in the vast expanse of space and time.

I am first generation. I am Egyptian American. I am a proud Muslim. I am Marym Abouelella. I strive against the hatred of many because of what I am and how I was raised to value the ethics and teaching of Muhammed PBUH. I am a high school student at Wando High School, South Carolina. I moved to South Carolina at age 12 and dealt with the great upheave of adjusting to societal norms. I am now a junior and have accomplished greatness through my five years. I began the Muslim and Middle Eastern Club at my high school, organized an open prayer room for all religions, and my school's first Culture Day to represent all the unique diversity of the world. Throughout my high school career, I have learned great lessons of determination and striving for excellence. This is why I have chosen my major in college as Nursing, although I am keen that it is not what is typical for an Arab Muslim girl to strive for something less than, I have been asked the question plenty of times by both family and friends, "why not a doctor? You are so smart habibit". I have done over a hundred hours of shadowing and volunteering and found that a nurse's atmosphere and daily work life provide great growth and options for future job applicants. This everyday life is exactly what grasped me for the career. I have chosen the nursing path as it provides a great career that fosters my strengths and weaknesses, such as being extrovertive, organized, logical yet emotionally oriented, and discreet, while also improving my weaknesses such as adapting to unexpected circumstances and my tendency to take control. I am passionate about nursing and the future it has to offer me in all forms. Even though I am aware of the challenges the career has to offer I am grateful for the love and aspiration I have for such a lively and rewarding career. My favorite book, which I recently read a few months ago, is All My Rage by Pakistani-American author Sabaa Tahir. All My Rage depicts the life of two young Muslim Pakistani American teens, Salahuddin and Noor, the two endure daily life of societal prejudices and devastating tragedies only as adolescents. The story is told from the two points of view of the son, Salahuddin, and his mother Misbah. I fell in love with the story because I could truly see myself through some of the characters especially Noor, the smart and sarcastic teen trying to strive for more. Finally, as a Muslim, my greatest achievement has been being a better Muslim through my advocate of the Palestine and Israel conflict and trying to aid the people in Gaza in any way I know how to, whether it is sending money or praying for the lost lives and the ones remaining in Gaza. I keep all my Muslim brothers and sisters who are sanctioned to the dreaded life dealt to them by the IDF and every one of them remains in my heart, الله معهم.