As a first-year, first-generation student, I have encountered many roadblocks that immediately started after my first day living on campus. When classes went into session, everyone around me happily typed on their $1000 MacBooks, while I used the hand-me-down HP from my older sister. I instantly spotted the financial differences between me and my classmates, but I could either use that as an excuse to fail or to motivate myself to work 10x harder. As a black, first-generation student, the only option is to work harder. While growing up, I never had access to the "nice things" all my friends raved about. I would always loathe them (from a distance, of course!) for flaunting their new shoes, clothes, etc., but they never knew how badly I wanted the things they had. They never knew or understood how embarrassed I felt when I wouldn't be able to eat the school's lunch frankly because my family could not afford it. They never knew that I could not go hang out with them at the mall or the movies simply because my family could not afford to spend extra money on their 3 teenage daughters. Now, those childhood experiences did not change how I interacted with others. I always congratulated others, expressed my joy for them, and made sure they knew I was so proud and happy for them. In past experiences, I accepted that I would never be wealthy like those around me, but I slowly learned that you are always able to change your destiny. I am currently attending Stockton University, majoring in Health Sciences, after that, I plan on taking an accelerated nursing program. With this, I hope to become a Pediatric Nurse. I chose this academic and career course because I have a passion for helping others and children. My enjoyment of working with children formed when I became a camp counselor during my junior year of high school. From that summer job, I identified the proper ways to communicate with both adults and children. Being a nurse has been a dream since childhood, it's only right to make that one dream come true, no matter what it takes. I know with my career goal, I can potentially impact the lives of children by providing proper care, communication, and positivity. I also know that I will not quit, because people are rooting for me, and I cannot let them down. I will show people with similar backgrounds as me, that you can acquire anything you desire, but you have to work for what you want.