My nursing dream began to take shape at an early age, when I saw firsthand the debilitating effects of disease while my auntie June battled multiple sclerosis. Over the years, her health severely declined, but she continued to adapt and remain optimistic, inspiring me to learn more about illness and healing. As my love for science grew, so did my passion for service and creating positive change. I feel we have a moral responsibility to help others who are less fortunate, and my dream would be to make an impact, both at work and in society. My family and community experiences have led me to pursue nursing, a career that will allow me to blend my love for science, health advocacy, and service. In the future, I envision myself in a fulfilling career as a dedicated nurse practitioner, advocating for marginalized populations, leading policy committees that strive to improve quality of care, and mentoring youth. Growing up as a young Black child living in Oakland, I experienced adversity, but I had many strong Black mentors who instilled philanthropic values and provided inspiration. It is important for me to maintain these relationships, as well as build new ones in the community, so that I can guide others as they have guided me. In the Black community, I feel it is especially important to have mentors and to show young people that we can have leadership roles and increase our voice and representation in industries like healthcare. To move towards my goals, I have prioritized my academics, formed study groups, and utilized professor office hours, and as a result I am thriving in the Bachelor of Science Nursing Program that I am attending. Also, I am actively seeking healthcare experience through volunteer work and internships. Last year, I acquired an internship in the oncology unit of a major urban hospital, where I had the opportunity to observe various healthcare professionals in action, practice clinical skills on simulation models, and interact with patients. In addition, caring for underserved populations opened my eyes to an urgent systemic issue in the Black community: healthcare inequity. Black patients face extremely high rates of chronic illnesses, lower access to quality medical care, and implicit biases within the healthcare system. As a future nurse leader, I hope to contribute to my community by using my position to advocate for equal treatment and anti-bias training programs to help healthcare providers give more culturally competent care. Since trust is also an issue with Black patients, I would work to increase the percentage of Black nurses and doctors by creating an internship program pairing Black healthcare professionals with Black students, aiming to encourage more Black students to pursue the medical field. By increasing representation and fostering trust within BIPOC communities, I hope to contribute to reducing healthcare disparities and improving patient outcomes. I feel my chosen field of study, nursing, will equip me to create meaningful and lasting impact in countless ways. Combining scientific knowledge, leadership, advocacy, and service, nursing is uniquely positioned to address both individual and community needs. As a future nurse leader, I hope to use my skills to heal, comfort, and advocate for others, as well as spread compassion and awareness. Additionally, I wish to contribute to healthcare policy initiatives that improve quality of care and promote health equity, especially in the Black community. I aspire to be a voice for those who feel unheard, a mentor for those who lack support, and a source of guidance and empowerment that encourages our youth to believe in their potential.

From an early age, I saw firsthand the debilitating effects of disease while my Auntie June battled multiple sclerosis. Over the years, she lost the ability to walk, and my mom and I would visit weekly, helping her with tasks that many take for granted. Despite her circumstances, my auntie continued to adapt and remain infectiously optimistic, inspiring me to learn more about illness and healing. As my love for science grew, so did my passion for service and creating positive change. I began dedicating most of my spare time volunteering at various soup kitchens, clinics, and hospitals, where I developed true empathy for those who struggled with food, housing, and resources. My experiences with family and in the community have strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in nursing, where I can blend my love for healing and advocacy. I aspire to become a nurse practitioner, with a focus on gynecologic oncology. My internship in the medical oncology unit at Kaiser Permanente has been especially influential in driving my nursing aspirations and introducing me to gyn oncology, a specialty that I have fallen in love with. During this internship, I have had the opportunity to shadow a variety of health care professionals and help care for this specific patient population. In addition, Oakland’s diverse community has given me a unique perspective in how to care for underserved populations and the challenges that can arise, including patients who do not speak English fluently or do not have financial resources. I have become acutely aware of the health disparities that exist, especially in minority and disabled populations, fueling my desire to tackle these issues as a future healthcare provider. I envision myself as a skilled GYN oncology nurse practitioner working in underserved areas, advocating for equitable healthcare and compassionate care. Since there are often knowledge gaps in these communities, I would like to play a key role in educating women about signs, risk factors, and prevention of cancer, and encourage Pap smears and regular pelvic exams. I also desire to be involved in policy and nurse practice committees that are focused on improving the quality of care of female oncology populations. Currently, I am thriving in Pepperdine University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program and excited to continue my journey towards nursing. Constantly acquiring new knowledge. Making heartwarming connections. Providing dignity and loving care. Helping serve humanity. Nursing embodies everything that I desire in a profession. I want to be the kind of nurse that provides not only expert medical care, but also emotional support. Women facing cancer will need a strong support system, and I want to be the kind of nurse that listens empathetically and helps them persevere through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

From an early age, I saw firsthand the debilitating effects of disease while my auntie June battled multiple sclerosis. Over the years, she lost the ability to walk, and my mom and I would visit weekly, helping her with tasks that many take for granted. Despite her circumstances, my auntie continued to adapt and remain infectiously optimistic, inspiring me to learn more about illness and healing. As my love for science grew, so did my passion for service and creating positive change. I began dedicating most of my spare time volunteering at various soup kitchens, clinics, and hospitals, where I developed true empathy for those who struggled with food, housing, and resources. My experiences with family and in the community have strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in nursing, where science and compassion go hand and hand. I aspire to become a nurse practitioner, with a focus on gynecologic oncology. My internship in the medical oncology unit at Kaiser Permanente has been especially influential in driving my nursing aspirations and introducing me to gyn oncology, a specialty that I have fallen in love with. Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to shadow a variety of health care professionals and help care for this specific patient population. In addition, Oakland’s diverse community has given me a unique perspective in how to care for underserved populations and the challenges that can arise, including patients who do not speak English fluently or do not have financial resources. I have become acutely aware of the health disparities that exist, especially in minority and disabled populations, fueling my desire to tackle these issues as a future healthcare provider. In the future, I envision myself as a skilled GYN oncology nurse practitioner working in underserved areas, advocating for equitable healthcare and compassionate care. Since there are often knowledge gaps in these communities, I would like to play a key role in educating women about signs, risk factors, and prevention of cancer, and encourage Pap smears and regular pelvic exams. I also desire to be involved in policy and nurse practice committees that are focused on improving the quality of care of female oncology populations. Currently, I am researching ways to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), with the goal of developing a quality improvement initiative to present to the oncology unit where I am interning. In the future, I would love to initiate and implement many more quality improvement projects such as this one, and to discover ways of enhancing clinical outcomes through evidence-based practice. I am so excited to continue my pursuit of education and embark on this challenging, exhilarating journey towards nursing. Constantly acquiring new knowledge. Making heartwarming connections. Providing dignity and loving care. Helping serve humanity. Nursing embodies everything that I desire in a profession. I want to be the kind of nurse that provides not only expert medical care, but also emotional support. Women facing cancer will need a strong support system, and I want to be the kind of nurse that listens empathetically and helps them persevere through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

It was ninety-five degrees ... not a single cloud in the sky. The sun’s rays were beating down on me like an egg on a hot skillet. We had already played two intense games and I was worn out. This was the last game of the day, and I was gathering my last ounce of energy. As I stepped up to the plate and stared down the pitcher, I could feel my heart pounding faster and faster, sweat dripping down my face. There was a runner on second, and all I was thinking was to bring that runner home. “Let’s go, 5! Get a hit!” I could hear my teammates chanting emphatically from the dugout. The pitch came... Smack! The ball flew off the bat, screaming into left field and dropping out of the reach of the diving outfielder. The runner at second scored and I was so ecstatic that I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the day. There’s something about diving into the soft dirt to make a great play, getting a game winning hit, cheering and competing alongside my teammates.. I have been playing softball since I was seven years old, from recreation to travel to high school, and it has impacted my life in so many positive ways. Through softball, I have developed discipline, focus, and perseverance, which has been crucial in being able to balance a rigorous academic schedule, a job, and extracurricular activities. In addition, softball has built up my self esteem greatly and has been a safe place where I can be myself and not have to worry about anything. I am more on the reserved and introverted side, but softball has encouraged me to stretch outside my comfort zone and use my voice, while doing something that I love. Being on a softball team has also shown me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and supporting my fellow teammates. On my Varsity High School Softball team, I have mentored some of the less experienced players, have helped organize Senior day, and have been voted “Best Team Player” two out of three years. One of my proudest accomplishments was when I willingly sacrificed playing shortstop, the position I love and excelled at, to step into the role of pitcher, a position that no one else was willing to play, during my freshman and sophomore years. Since I hadn’t pitched in several years, I had to fully commit myself; I embraced the challenge, taking pitching lessons and practicing daily to hone my skills. My time and dedication paid off, as we won our conference (TCAL) and advanced to NCS for the first time in our school’s history. Currently, I am a high school senior and the starting shortstop on the Varsity Softball team. This year will be bittersweet- I am overwhelmed by all the memories, heartbroken to leave my teammates and coaches, but excited to start the next chapter in my life. In college, I plan to continue playing softball, whether on a club team at school or on an adult competitive league through the city. Softball is my passion… my safe place… my second home, and I hope it continues to inspire me to be my best self in all aspects of life.

I have always been intrigued by health, disease, and the human body. From an early age, I saw firsthand the debilitating effects of disease while my Auntie June battled multiple sclerosis. As I grew older, her perseverance, ability to adapt, and unwavering optimism inspired me, sparking my curiosity to learn more about illness and healing. Taking courses in biology and physiology has further solidified my interest in science, while volunteering in various soup kitchens, clinics, and hospitals with sick, elderly, disabled, and veteran populations has given me a greater sensitivity, respect, and empathy for humanity. My experiences with family and in the community have strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in nursing, where science and compassion go hand and hand. Over the past few months, my internship in the medical surgical oncology unit of Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center has been especially transformative. Here, I have observed various healthcare professionals in action, learning firsthand how a large hospital operates. I have witnessed the expertise, determination, and dedication displayed by the nursing staff, and their commitment to providing compassionate care. The diversity of the Oakland community has provided me with a unique perspective in how to care for underserved populations and the challenges that arise, including patients who do not speak English fluently or do not have financial resources. One particular instance that deeply affected me was when a leukemia patient could not get a stem cell transplant because she had no family or caregiver who could assist her during the months-long recovery period. The social worker diligently searched for resources for the patient, but a month later, the patient was still awaiting transplant eligibility. That tragic situation still disturbs me, and one day I hope to ensure that circumstances like this are prevented. Through my various experiences in the healthcare community, I have honed my leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills, as well as gained confidence in my ability to dive into the competitive field of nursing. Just as importantly, I have become cognizant of health disparities and inequities that exist, especially in minority and disabled populations, driving my desire to help alleviate this problem. In the future, I envision myself as a dedicated and compassionate registered nurse or nurse practitioner committed to making a meaningful difference, particularly in underserved communities. Growing up, I had many mentors who instilled philanthropic values and inspired me to uplift disadvantaged communities like the one in my hometown of Oakland, California. It is important for me to maintain these relationships, as well as build new ones in the community, so that I can guide others as they guided me. I feel it is especially important to have mentors and to show young people that we can have leadership roles and work together to increase our voice and representation in the healthcare industry. The first step to achieving my goals would be to gain acceptance into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and to receive enough financial resources to afford college. I hope to attend a university that will provide me with an excellent academic foundation and tools that I need to succeed. Once I am able to practice nursing, I would like to start in an acute care setting, where I can become very proficient and comfortable caring for patients, expand my clinical skills, and possibly discover specialties that I am passionate about. Right now, oncology and intensive care are areas that pique my interest. I also desire to be involved in policy and nurse practice committees that are focused on improving quality of care. Currently, I am researching ways to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), with the goal of developing a quality improvement initiative to present to the inpatient unit where I am interning. In the future, I would love to initiate and implement many more quality improvement projects such as this one, and to discover ways of enhancing clinical outcomes through evidence-based practice. Additionally, I would like to acquire a more diverse, holistic view of healthcare by studying abroad, interning at underserved hospitals, and volunteering in the community. Once equipped with a BSN, I aspire to pursue graduate studies with a focus in Family Nurse Practitioning or Community Health. This career path aligns with my passion for providing skilled and compassionate holistic patient care. I am so excited to continue my pursuit of education and embark on this challenging, exhilarating journey towards nursing. Constantly acquiring new knowledge. Making heartwarming connections. Providing dignity and loving care. Helping serve humanity. Nursing embodies everything that I desire in a profession. I want to be the kind of nurse that provides not only excellent medical care, but also emotional support. The kind of nurse that listens empathetically and authentically, that offers inspiration and hope, and that helps patients persevere through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As a future nurse, I hope to use my skills to heal, comfort, and advocate for others, as well as improve patient outcomes and build healthcare equity. As a humanitarian, I aspire to spread compassion and love in my community, help those less fortunate, and most importantly, make a meaningful difference in the world!

I have always loved helping people from a young age, and my passion for that has only grown stronger over the years. I want to be a nurse because I have always been passionate about helping others. There is something deeply fulfilling about providing care and comfort to someone when they need it most. I love that nurses are extremely hands-on and spend a lot of time with the patients while caring for them. This close connection draws me to the profession because it allows for authentic relationships with trust and empathy. One of the most rewarding aspects of nursing is the ability to be there for someone in their time of need. It is very important to offer not just medical care but also emotional support. There is a fulfillment like no other knowing that you have made a positive impact on someone's day, whether it is by offering words of encouragement, responding to their needs, or simply listening to them. I have always loved being a source of comfort for others, and nursing is the perfect career to do that every day. Growing up, I had a very close relationship with my Aunt June, who spent much of her life in and out of hospitals due to a chronic illness. During those visits, I witnessed firsthand the incredible impact compassionate healthcare professionals can have on patients and their families. I remember sitting by her bedside, watching as nurses helped her with such care and kindness. They weren’t just administering medications or checking vital signs, but they were listening to her stories, offering encouragement, and treating her with a level of respect that made a huge difference in her experience. It was inspiring how those nurses made my Aunt June feel comforted and heard, even amid her suffering. It was during those moments that I realized how powerful the role of a nurse truly is. Nurses are the ones who are there in the middle of the night when a patient is scared and in pain, the ones who hold their hands through tough procedures, and the ones who celebrate with them when they receive good news. In the future, I desire to be that kind of presence for others so that I can make an important difference in people's lives every single day. I want to be the person who provides not only medical care but also emotional support. I want to help patients persevere through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I believe that by caring for people personally, I can help ease their fears and offer them a sense of hope and comfort when they need it most.