One movie that has had a lasting impact on me is The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith. The story follows Chris Gardner, a man struggling to build a better life for himself and his son while trying to sell medical scanning machines that most people didn’t understand or think they needed. What stood out to me wasn’t just his circumstances, but the mindset he carried through every setback. His journey reflects the reality that opportunity is not always given, it often has to be chased, earned, and fought for. Throughout the movie, Chris faces constant rejection while trying to sell the machines. He invests everything he has into a product that others doubt, and that pressure only increases as his financial situation worsens. At one point, he and his son are forced into homelessness, yet he continues showing up every day, determined to create a better future. That level of persistence made me reflect on how easy it can be to give up when things don’t go as planned. Chris didn’t have the option to quit, but more importantly, he didn’t allow himself to. One of the biggest takeaways for me is the way the film highlights that education and opportunity are privileges that not everyone has equal access to. Chris competes for an unpaid internship in a highly competitive field, knowing that only one person will be selected for a full-time position. Despite lacking the traditional background or resources that others had, he used every moment as a chance to learn, improve, and prove himself. His willingness to keep learning, even under pressure, shows how education goes beyond a classroom, it’s about adapting, growing, and finding solutions. This idea connects to a broader belief that education is a gift. The ability to learn, to think critically, and to explore new ideas allows people to transcend limitations and open doors that may have once seemed impossible. Chris didn’t just rely on what he already knew; he constantly pushed himself to understand more, to communicate better, and to approach problems differently. That mindset is what ultimately helped him succeed. The film also emphasizes the importance of desire and motivation when it comes to elevating oneself. Chris had every reason to give up. The obstacles he faced, financial instability, rejection, and uncertainty, would have stopped many people. But instead of letting those struggles define him, he used them as motivation. His determination wasn’t just about personal success; it was about creating a better life for his son. That purpose gave him the strength to keep going, even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. Watching The Pursuit of Happyness changed the way I view challenges. It reminded me that setbacks are part of the process, not the end of it. Growth comes from continuing to push forward, even when progress feels slow or invisible. It also reinforced the idea that success isn’t always about where you start, but about how willing you are to keep moving forward. Ultimately, this movie showed me that perseverance, combined with a commitment to learning, can lead to meaningful change, not only for yourself but for the communities you are part of. Chris Gardner’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination and a desire to grow, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

One of the most awkward things that makes me stand out is my hair. I have tight, curly ringlets… the kind that don’t just fall into place without effort. In a house where no one else shares my hair texture, it’s always felt like I’m figuring it out on my own. What seems simple for everyone else, waking up, brushing their hair, and heading out the door, has never been that easy for me. My mornings look different. I can’t just “get up and go.” My hair needs time, attention, and the right products to look the way I want it to. If I rush it or skip steps, it shows. Frizz takes over, curls lose their shape, and I spend the rest of the day feeling self-conscious. For a long time, it felt frustrating that something so natural to me required so much extra work just to feel put together. Growing up, that difference didn’t always feel like a good thing. My curls were something that made me stand out in ways I didn’t always want. I’ve been made fun of for them, comments about them being “too big,” “too wild,” or “unmanageable.” When you’re younger, those words stick with you. There were times I wished my hair was straight like everyone else’s, something easier, something that didn’t draw attention or require explanation. I didn’t want to feel like I had to defend or manage a part of myself every day. What made it harder was not having someone at home who really understood how to care for my hair. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, but it meant a lot of trial and error. Figuring out which products worked, how to style it, how to protect it… it all took time. There were plenty of bad hair days along the way, moments of frustration, and even times I avoided certain situations because I didn’t feel confident in how I looked. But over time, my perspective started to shift. I began to realize that the very thing that made me feel awkward was also something that made me unique. My curls are a part of my identity. They’re not meant to look like anyone else’s, and that’s the point. Learning to care for them became more than just a routine, it became a way of accepting and appreciating something that sets me apart. Now, while I still recognize the challenges, like the extra time it takes or the unpredictability on humid days, I’ve grown to love my curls. They’re expressive, full of personality, and completely my own. What once felt like a burden has become something I take pride in. That experience has also shaped how I see others. I’m more aware that everyone has something that makes them feel different or out of place, even if it’s not obvious. Because of my own experience, I try to be more understanding and less quick to judge. I know what it’s like to feel singled out for something you can’t change. In the end, my curly ringlets may be awkward at times, but they’ve taught me confidence, patience, and self-acceptance. They’ve shown me that standing out isn’t always easy, but it can be something to embrace.

One of the most meaningful examples of compassion I’ve witnessed came from my grandma during the time my great grandma was living in a nursing home. Watching her dedication and the way she showed up every single day changed how I understand what it really means to care for someone. My great grandma was at a point in her life where she needed constant support. The nursing home staff did their jobs, but my grandma never saw their care as a replacement for her own. Instead, she made it her mission to be there as much as possible. She visited almost every day, often staying for hours at a time. She would sit with her, talk to her, brush her hair, hold her hand, and make sure she felt seen and loved. Even on days when my great grandma wasn’t fully aware or able to respond, my grandma still treated every moment like it mattered. What stood out to me most was that my grandma didn’t do any of this out of obligation, she did it out of genuine compassion. She paid attention to the small details that others might overlook. If something didn’t seem right, she would advocate for better care. If my great grandma seemed lonely, she stayed longer. She brought comfort into a place that can often feel unfamiliar and isolating. She made sure that no matter the circumstances, my great grandma was never just another patient in a room. There was one moment in particular that has stayed with me. I remember walking into the room and seeing my grandma quietly sitting beside the bed, holding my great grandma’s hand and talking to her about family memories. It wasn’t dramatic or emotional, it was simple, steady, and full of love. My great grandma didn’t say much back, but you could feel the connection in the room. It made me realize that compassion isn’t always about fixing something; sometimes it’s just about being present and making sure someone doesn’t feel alone. That experience had a lasting impact on me. It reshaped how I view care, especially in settings like nursing homes or hospitals. I began to understand that compassion goes beyond meeting physical needs, it’s about dignity, connection, and treating people like they still matter, regardless of their condition. It also made me more aware of how important family involvement can be and how much of a difference one person’s presence can make. Seeing my grandma’s example influenced the way I approach others in my own life. I try to be more patient, more attentive, and more willing to show up for people when they need it most. It also played a significant role in my decision to pursue nursing. I want to be the kind of person who brings that same level of compassion into my work, someone who doesn’t just care for patients, but truly cares about them. That time in my life taught me that compassion isn’t always loud or recognized, but it is powerful. Watching my grandma dedicate herself to my great grandma showed me that even in difficult circumstances, the simple act of being there can mean everything.

Family has always been the center of my life, not just as the people I share a home with, but as the reason I see the world the way I do. When I think about what family means, I think about consistency, sacrifice, and showing up for each other even when it’s hard. Growing up, I saw firsthand how much strength it takes to care for others, especially during moments when life feels uncertain. Those experiences are a big part of why I’ve chosen to pursue nursing as both a major and a career. In my family, care wasn’t something that was talked about, it was something that was done. Whether it was checking in on each other after a long day, stepping up when someone was sick, or simply making sure no one felt alone, those small actions shaped my understanding of what it means to truly support someone. I remember times when a family member needed medical attention, and while doctors played an important role, it was the nurses who stood out to me the most. They were the ones who stayed present, explained things in ways we could understand, and brought a sense of calm into stressful situations. Those moments stuck with me. I realized that nursing isn’t just about medical knowledge or technical skill, its about connection. It’s about being there for people at their most vulnerable and making them feel seen, heard, and cared for. That idea aligns closely with how I was raised. In many ways, choosing nursing feels like an extension of the values my family has already instilled in me. Another reason family has influenced my decision is the sense of responsibility I feel to give back. My family has supported me in countless ways, and pursuing a meaningful career is one way I can honor that support. Nursing offers a path where I can make a real difference, not just in individual lives but in entire communities. I want to be someone families can rely on during difficult times, just like my own family has always been there for me. I also recognize that healthcare can be overwhelming, especially for families who may not fully understand what’s happening. I want to be the kind of nurse who bridges that gap, someone who not only provides care but also helps families navigate those moments with clarity and compassion. I’ve seen how much it matters when someone takes the time to explain, reassure, and advocate for a patient and their loved ones. Ultimately, my decision to pursue nursing comes down to one simple idea: I want to care for people the way my family has always cared for me. Family taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and resilience…qualities that are essential in nursing. By choosing this path, I’m not only building a future for myself, but also carrying forward the values that have shaped who I am.