The impact I hope to make extends far beyond providing medical treatment. My goal is to become the kind of healthcare provider who not only improves health outcomes but also restores hope, builds trust, and advocates for those whose voices are often overlooked. As I pursue my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I am preparing to become a clinician and leader who is committed to serving older adults, veterans, and underserved communities with compassion, excellence, and integrity. I believe healthcare is most effective when patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their care. The person who has inspired me the most is my father. After suffering multiple strokes, he spent time in hospitals and nursing facilities where I witnessed both exceptional care and moments when patients were not treated with the dignity they deserved. Watching him struggle and seeing the emotional and physical challenges my family experienced changed the course of my life. Although I was young, those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of compassionate healthcare professionals who treat every patient as if they were a member of their own family. My father’s journey continues to motivate me every day to become the kind of provider who advocates for patients during their most vulnerable moments. As a registered nurse currently caring for veterans while continuing my education, I have already seen how meaningful relationships, patient education, and compassionate communication can positively influence health outcomes. These experiences have reinforced my desire to continue growing as both a clinician and a leader. My long-term vision is to specialize in caring for older adults, with a particular focus on chronic disease management, wound care, preventive medicine, and improving transitions of care. I also hope to mentor future nurses, participate in community outreach programs, and help develop innovative healthcare initiatives that improve access and quality of care. Receiving this education is not only an investment in my future but also an investment in every patient and family I will have the privilege of serving. I intend to use the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities I gain to strengthen my community, improve healthcare experiences, and advocate for those who need it most. My dream is to create a lasting legacy of compassionate service, servant leadership, and lifelong learning. I hope that one day I will be able to support future students the way this scholarship has supported me, creating opportunities for others to pursue their calling and continue making a positive difference in the lives of countless people.

Having a family member with a disability has shaped who I am and inspired my decision to become a nurse. When I was only between nine and twelve years old, my father suffered two strokes that left him paralyzed on his left side and dependent on a wheelchair. From that moment, my life changed. My mother, brother, and I became his caregivers, learning at a young age how to help with daily activities feeding, transferring, and assisting him with hygiene. Although it was difficult, caring for him taught me patience, empathy, and the true meaning of family strength. Eventually, my mother had to return to work to support our family, and my father was placed in a nursing home. Visiting him there was heartbreaking. I watched his condition decline because of neglect and poor care. He developed painful bedsores and lost the spark he once had. It was devastating to see the person I loved suffer simply because others failed to provide the compassion and attention he deserved. Those moments stayed with me and became the driving force behind my decision to pursue nursing. I promised myself that one day, I would become the kind of nurse who treats every patient as if they were my own family member. I want to be the person who notices the small details, advocates for proper care, and ensures that patients never feel forgotten or neglected. My father’s experience taught me that the quality of care can deeply affect not just the patient, but their entire family. Now, as I work toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, every class, clinical, and late night study session reminds me why I started this journey. I am pursuing nursing not only as a career, but as a calling to bring compassion, dignity, and quality care to others in honor of my father’s memory. In the future, I plan to specialize in areas like neuro or wound care, where I can directly help patients who, like my father, face physical limitations or long term disabilities. I also hope to work within my community to educate families about caring for loved ones at home and preventing complications such as pressure injuries. My goal is to honor my father’s memory by ensuring that no one experiences the neglect he endured. Nursing, for me, is more than a profession it’s a promise to provide the care and compassion that my father never received but always deserved.

Pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of my life. As a full-time student, I have balanced demanding clinical rotations, classes, exams, and simulations all while working and caring for my blended family, which includes two stepchildren and our dog. Every day requires sacrifice and determination, whether it’s studying late at night after helping with homework or preparing for clinicals before the rest of the household wakes up. Managing these responsibilities has taught me time management, resilience, and compassion on a deeper level. One of my greatest obstacles has been the financial strain of completing my education. Despite working hard and applying for loans and scholarships, I currently owe $5,900 to the school before I can schedule to take my NCLEX. This has been an emotional challenge because I have already received a job offer in the Neuro ICU as a new head nurse upon graduation this December. I have worked so hard to reach this point, and all I want is the opportunity to take my NCLEX and begin serving patients in the role I’ve been preparing for. I refuse to let financial hardship stop me from achieving my dream of becoming a nurse who makes a difference. My journey has not been easy, but these obstacles have strengthened my purpose. I know firsthand how hard it can be to juggle multiple responsibilities while pursuing higher education, and I want to use my experience to inspire and support others in my community. As a future nurse, I plan to give back by mentoring young adults and single parents who aspire to enter healthcare but feel discouraged by life’s obstacles. I also plan to continue volunteering in health education initiatives that teach families about preventive care, mental health, and wellness especially in underserved communities. Through it all, I’ve learned that perseverance, faith, and purpose can turn obstacles into stepping stones. Once I become a registered nurse, I will carry that lesson into every patient interaction and every community I serve.

My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing comes from a combination of personal loss, professional experiences, and a passion for advocacy. Nursing is not just a career path I chose it is a calling that grew out of the moments and people that shaped me. The defining moment in my journey came with the loss of my father. He passed away due to poor healthcare and lack of proper advocacy. Experiencing such a profound loss revealed to me the devastating consequences when patients and families are not given the care, education, or support they need. My father’s death left me heartbroken, but it also ignited a deep conviction that I could help others avoid the same fate. That moment became the foundation of my decision to pursue nursing a profession where I can advocate for patients, educate families, and ensure that no one feels invisible in the healthcare system. My professional background reinforced that calling. I have worked in healthcare for more than fifteen years, serving in roles such as medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, patient care technician, and sterile processing technician. Each of these roles gave me a different perspective on patient care. At the VA Hospital, I had the privilege of working closely with veterans, assisting them in both clinical and administrative settings. Their resilience and sacrifices reminded me of the importance of compassionate, holistic care. I often found myself going beyond my assigned duties taking time to listen, encourage, or advocate for resources. These experiences confirmed that nursing was the path where my skills and heart aligned. My journey also includes time as a life and health insurance agent. In that role, I witnessed how many people lacked knowledge about their coverage, their rights as patients, and how to advocate for themselves. Too often, lack of education or financial resources became barriers to receiving quality care. That experience broadened my perspective on healthcare inequities and deepened my commitment to nursing. I want to be a nurse who not only provides excellent care at the bedside but also empowers patients with knowledge, so they can take charge of their health. What inspires me most about nursing is the opportunity to care for people as whole beings. It is a profession that blends science with compassion, knowledge with empathy, and skill with advocacy. I am particularly passionate about serving older adults and underserved populations, because I have seen how often their needs are overlooked. My long-term vision is to specialize in gerontology, wound care, and case management, and to continue advocating for equitable access to healthcare. Beyond the clinical side, I am inspired by the chance to be a leader, educator, and mentor in nursing. I want to use my education not only to grow personally but also to give back whether by guiding new nurses, hosting workshops, or creating programs that combine health and insurance literacy. I believe nursing is about building trust, bridging gaps, and leaving a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities. Ultimately, what inspired me to pursue a career in nursing was the intersection of personal tragedy, professional growth, and a calling to serve. My father’s passing gave me purpose, my work in healthcare gave me preparation, and my experiences in advocacy gave me vision. Nursing is more than my chosen profession it is my way of honoring the past, serving the present, and shaping a better future for those in need.

My name is Porshia Mabine, and my story has always been about resilience, purpose, and service. I grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, in a community where strength often came from surviving hard things. One of the most defining moments of my life was losing my father due to poor healthcare. Watching him struggle without the advocacy or quality care he deserved broke my heart, but it also lit a fire in me. It was the first time I understood, deeply, how healthcare can either save a life or fail one. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. That’s where my journey toward nursing began not from textbooks, but from lived experience. For over fifteen years, I have worked in healthcare in almost every role you can imagine: medical assistant, patient care technician, certified nursing assistant, and sterile technician. I spent five years at the VA Hospital serving veterans first in direct patient care, then in sterile processing, and later in administrative roles. Working with veterans taught me so much about resilience, loyalty, and sacrifice. They gave so much for this country, and it felt like an honor to give back to them. I learned that being in healthcare is not just about tasks and procedures it’s about presence, empathy, and dignity. But my path hasn’t only been clinical. I also ran a life and health insurance business, and through that, I saw another side of healthcare. I met people who didn’t understand their coverage, who didn’t know their rights as patients, and who were left in the dark when it came to navigating the system. It frustrated me to see how often lack of education and resources meant worse outcomes, especially in underserved communities. That’s when I realized I could take my two worlds healthcare and insurance and merge them. I want to be a nurse who not only provides excellent care but also teaches, advocates, and empowers. Today, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Duke University, and my aspirations are clear. I want to specialize in gerontology, wound care, and case management. Older adults, especially, inspire me because I know how easily their needs are overlooked. I want to be the nurse who sees the whole person their history, their struggles, their strengths and helps them live with dignity and quality of life. My long-term vision is to return to the VA as a nurse, because serving veterans has always felt like home to me. Outside of nursing, I am passionate about family, community, and finding joy in everyday life. I also love giving back whether volunteering, mentoring others, or hosting workshops. One day, I hope to create community programs that combine health education with financial literacy, so people understand both their care and their coverage. The experiences that have shaped me losing my father, working with veterans, running a business, and serving my community have all pointed me to this moment. I am not just pursuing a degree; I am pursuing my purpose. Nursing, for me, is not about titles or uniforms. It is about changing lives, standing up for people who need a voice, and leaving every patient better than I found them. My story is one of resilience and passion, and I carry it with me into every step of my journey as a future nurse.

My name is Porshia Mabine, and my story has always been about resilience, purpose, and service. I grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, in a community where strength often came from surviving hard things. One of the most defining moments of my life was losing my father due to poor healthcare. Watching him struggle without the advocacy or quality care he deserved broke my heart, but it also lit a fire in me. It was the first time I understood, deeply, how healthcare can either save a life or fail one. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. That’s where my journey toward nursing began not from textbooks, but from lived experience. For over fifteen years, I have worked in healthcare in almost every role you can imagine: medical assistant, patient care technician, certified nursing assistant, and sterile technician. I spent five years at the VA Hospital serving veterans first in direct patient care, then in sterile processing, and later in administrative roles. Working with veterans taught me so much about resilience, loyalty, and sacrifice. They gave so much for this country, and it felt like an honor to give back to them. I learned that being in healthcare is not just about tasks and procedures it’s about presence, empathy, and dignity. But my path hasn’t only been clinical. I also ran a life and health insurance business, and through that, I saw another side of healthcare. I met people who didn’t understand their coverage, who didn’t know their rights as patients, and who were left in the dark when it came to navigating the system. It frustrated me to see how often lack of education and resources meant worse outcomes, especially in underserved communities. That’s when I realized I could take my two worlds healthcare and insurance and merge them. I want to be a nurse who not only provides excellent care but also teaches, advocates, and empowers. Today, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Duke University, and my aspirations are clear. I want to specialize in gerontology, wound care, and case management. Older adults, especially, inspire me because I know how easily their needs are overlooked. I want to be the nurse who sees the whole person their history, their struggles, their strengths and helps them live with dignity and quality of life. My long-term vision is to return to the VA as a nurse, because serving veterans has always felt like home to me. Outside of nursing, I am passionate about family, community, and finding joy in everyday life. I’m very family-oriented and grounded in my faith. I also love giving back whether volunteering, mentoring others, or hosting workshops. One day, I hope to create community programs that combine health education with financial literacy, so people understand both their care and their coverage. The experiences that have shaped me losing my father, working with veterans, running a business, and serving my community have all pointed me to this moment. I am not just pursuing a degree; I am pursuing my purpose. Nursing, for me, is not about titles or uniforms. It is about changing lives, standing up for people who need a voice, and leaving every patient better than I found them. My story is one of resilience and passion, and I carry it with me into every step of my journey as a future nurse.

Growing up, I witnessed the effects of domestic violence within my own family and community. The pain, instability, and silence surrounding these experiences left deep emotional scars, but they also opened my eyes to the ways in which women, particularly African American women, are disproportionately impacted. I saw how cycles of abuse and substance use often went unaddressed because of stigma, lack of resources, or mistrust of healthcare systems. These experiences did not break me; instead, they fueled my determination to be a voice for women who too often go unheard.These experiences left lasting scars but also ignited my determination to be part of the solution. As an African American woman, I know how deeply systemic inequities affect healthcare outcomes. Too often, women in our communities face judgment instead of compassion, and barriers instead of bridges, when seeking help. Domestic violence and substance abuse are not just individual problems but public health crises that ripple across generations. I have seen women in my own family and community silenced by shame, misdiagnosed, or dismissed by providers who lacked cultural understanding. My decision to pursue nursing is rooted in wanting to change that. I aspire to be a nurse who listens, advocates, and provides trauma informed, culturally sensitive care that validates women’s experiences and empowers them to seek help. Higher education will give me the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs of abuse and substance use, even when they are hidden. It will also equip me to coordinate with social workers, counselors, and community organizations to provide comprehensive support. Nursing education is not only about clinical expertise for me it is about learning how to improve care, communication, and trust for women who too often feel invisible in healthcare. My long-term vision includes contributing to community based programs that create safe spaces for African American women. I want to provide education on navigating the healthcare and insurance systems, reduce barriers to access, and partner with organizations to offer counseling and resources. By combining my healthcare background with advocacy, I hope to improve outcomes for women impacted by domestic violence and substance abuse. Ultimately, these personal experiences have given me both empathy and purpose. They fuel my commitment to become a nurse who changes the narrative for African American women from silence and suffering to healing and empowerment. Through higher education, I will prepare myself to deliver compassionate care, foster better coordination, and advocate for systemic change that leads to healthier futures for women, families, and communities.

My name is Porshia Mabine, and my journey to nursing has been shaped by both personal experiences and a lifelong commitment to serving others. I come from a background of more than fifteen years in healthcare, where I worked as a medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, patient care technician, and sterile processing technician. Those years gave me not only a strong clinical foundation but also the privilege of caring for patients at their most vulnerable moments. My reason for pursuing a nursing degree stems from both loss and inspiration. I lost my father due to poor healthcare and lack of proper advocacy. Watching him go through that experience left me devastated but also determined to be part of the solution. His passing became the driving force behind my decision to pursue nursing. I wanted to ensure that patients and families have someone who will listen, educate, and advocate for them in ways that my family did not receive. In addition, my background as a life and health insurance agent opened my eyes to how many people lack knowledge about their coverage and their rights as patients. I saw how these gaps in understanding created barriers to care, especially for underserved communities. These experiences strengthened my commitment to become a nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also empowers patients to make informed choices about their health. Pursuing my nursing degree at Duke University represents more than just a personal achievement; it represents a promise to my community. I believe that nursing is about combining skill with compassion, and knowledge with advocacy. I plan to make a positive impact in my community by specializing in areas such as gerontology, wound care, and case management. Older adults and vulnerable populations often experience disparities in care, and I want to be the kind of nurse who ensures they are not overlooked. I envision myself serving not only at the bedside but also in leadership roles where I can advocate for systemic changes that improve healthcare access and equity. Beyond clinical practice, I want to intertwine my nursing career with education and outreach. My goal is to create programs and workshops that teach individuals and families how to navigate healthcare systems, understand their insurance, and advocate for their needs. I believe that knowledge is power, and by equipping people with the tools to understand their care, I can help reduce disparities and improve outcomes. For example, hosting community health seminars or partnering with local organizations could allow me to share both medical and financial literacy in ways that directly impact lives. On a more personal level, I bring with me values of resilience, compassion, and service. I am family oriented, grounded in my faith, and find joy in simple moments like spending time with my Yorkie Poo, Portia, or sharing meals with loved ones. These values guide not only who I am as a person but also the type of nurse I want to be someone who balances skill with humanity, professionalism with kindness, and leadership with humility. In the end, my decision to pursue a nursing degree is about fulfilling my purpose. I want to carry forward the lessons of my past, honor my father’s memory, and create a future where I can stand beside patients and families as both a caregiver and an advocate. Through my nursing career, I will strive to make healthcare more compassionate, equitable, and accessible for all. This is how I plan to make a positive impact not just in my own life, but in the lives of countless others in my community.

My vision for myself as a nurse is rooted in a lifetime of experiences that have taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and advocacy. As I look toward the future, I see myself not only as a competent and skilled clinician but also as an advocate for patients, a leader in my profession, and a mentor for the next generation of nurses. Nursing is more than a career path for me; it is my purpose, a calling that has grown from personal loss, professional experience, and a deep desire to serve others. In the early years of my nursing career, my vision is to focus on mastering the fundamentals of patient care, developing clinical judgment, and learning from experienced colleagues. I envision myself working in a hospital setting, most likely in medical-surgical or gerontology units, where I can gain exposure to a wide variety of patients and health conditions. This setting will allow me to sharpen my assessment skills, strengthen my ability to recognize changes in patient status, and build confidence in implementing evidence-based interventions. During this time, I also want to deepen my understanding of patients as whole individuals not just diagnoses. My vision is to be the type of nurse who listens deeply, offers empathy, and takes the time to ensure that patients and families feel seen and heard. I believe healing begins with compassion, and I want my patients to know that I care not only about their physical recovery but also about their emotional and spiritual well-being. As I grow in my practice, I plan to pursue specialization in areas that I am most passionate about gerontology, wound care, and case management. Older adults hold a special place in my heart because I have seen how often their needs are overlooked or misinterpreted. My vision is to provide care that addresses the unique challenges they face, from atypical presentations of illness to the impact of social determinants of health. By specializing in gerontology, I hope to improve quality of life for older adults and help them maintain dignity and independence for as long as possible. In addition, I am drawn to wound care because it represents both a scientific challenge and a compassionate opportunity. Wound healing requires patience, attention to detail, and persistence. My vision is to develop expertise in this area and become a resource for both patients and colleagues. I also aspire to work in case management, where I can bridge the gap between healthcare providers, insurance systems, and patients. This role aligns with my background in insurance and my passion for advocacy, allowing me to ensure that patients have access to the resources they need to achieve the best possible outcomes. Beyond clinical expertise, my vision for myself as a nurse includes stepping into leadership roles where I can advocate for patients and influence healthcare systems. I envision myself eventually becoming a nurse practitioner through a sponsored program, which will allow me to expand my scope of practice and provide care at an advanced level. I want to use this role to address healthcare disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations such as veterans, older adults, and underserved communities. Advocacy will remain at the heart of my vision. I believe nurses have a responsibility to speak up not only for individual patients but also for broader systemic changes. I want to be involved in policy discussions, quality improvement initiatives, and community outreach programs that address social determinants of health and promote equitable access to care. My vision is to use my voice and experience to create meaningful change both at the bedside and beyond. Another key part of my vision is to serve as a mentor and educator for future nurses. I know from personal experience how valuable it is to have guidance, encouragement, and support during the difficult journey of nursing school and the transition into practice. I want to pay that forward by mentoring new nurses, precepting students, and eventually hosting workshops or seminars that combine nursing education with health and insurance literacy. My long-term dream is to intertwine my nursing career with my business background. By creating educational programs that teach patients, families, and communities how to navigate healthcare systems and insurance benefits, I can empower people to make informed decisions about their health. I envision myself hosting seminars, workshops, or community events where I not only provide clinical insight but also share knowledge that equips people to advocate for themselves. My vision for myself as a nurse also includes maintaining balance and joy outside of my profession. I know that to care for others effectively, I must also care for myself. I envision creating a life where I balance my nursing career with my passions spending time with family, cherishing everyday moments, and finding joy in the companionship of my Yorkie Poo, Portia. These simple but meaningful aspects of my life remind me of why I chose this path in the first place: to serve others while staying grounded in love, faith, and family. Ultimately, my vision for myself as a nurse is to leave a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and impact. I want to be remembered by my patients as someone who truly cared, by my colleagues as someone who uplifted and supported them, and by my community as someone who made a difference. I believe nursing is not only about saving lives but also about touching lives sometimes through big interventions and sometimes through small acts of kindness that leave lasting impressions. Looking ahead, I see myself not just as a nurse but as a leader, advocate, educator, and caregiver who brings my whole self to the profession. I envision a career where I grow continuously, contribute meaningfully, and inspire others along the way. Nursing is my calling, and my vision is to live out that calling fully, with compassion, purpose, and a commitment to making healthcare more humane and equitable for all.

My journey toward nursing has been shaped by both personal loss and years of experience working in healthcare. The defining moment came when I lost my father due to inadequate medical care. Watching him struggle without receiving the proper advocacy and support planted a deep conviction within me: no one should ever lose a loved one because of gaps in our healthcare system. His passing was devastating, but it inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a difference. I realized that nursing was not just a profession but a callingan opportunity to be the advocate, caregiver, and voice for those who cannot always speak for themselves. Over the past fifteen years, I have worked in multiple roles that prepared me for this path, including medical assistant, certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), and sterile processing technician. Each position taught me something different, but together they gave me a strong foundation in both clinical care and patient advocacy. Working at the Veterans Affairs Hospital was one of the most influential experiences of my career. I had the privilege of caring for veterans in various settings, from assisting in sterile processing for surgeries to supporting them in community care. Their resilience and sacrifices reminded me daily why compassionate care matters. I often found myself going beyond the task at hand listening to their stories, offering encouragement, or simply showing kindness in moments when they felt unseen. Those experiences solidified my desire to become a nurse who not only provides excellent care but also offers dignity, empathy, and respect. My experiences in insurance fueled my desire to combine patient education with nursing practice. I want to be a nurse who not only treats illness but also empowers patients with knowledge so they can take charge of their health. For me, nursing is the perfect bridge between clinical expertise and advocacy. At the core of my journey are the values of compassion, service, and resilience. I am passionate about caring for older adults, those with chronic conditions, and underserved populations who are often overlooked. I believe my role as a nurse is not only to heal but also to educate, uplift, and advocate. Nursing allows me to live out my purpose in a way that is meaningful both to me and to the communities I serve. While nursing is a huge part of who I am, I also value balance and joy outside of school and work. One of my greatest sources of happiness is my seven-year-old Yorkie Poo, Portia. She was named before I rescued her, and the fact that we share the same name feels like destiny. Portia has been my constant companion through the highs and lows of life and nursing school. Caring for her reminds me of the simple joys of unconditional love and responsibility. Taking her for walks, playing, or just enjoying quiet moments together brings me peace and balance during stressful times. Beyond that, I am deeply family-oriented. Spending time with loved ones grounds me and reminds me why I am pursuing this career in the first place. Family dinners, celebrating milestones, or even ordinary moments like cooking together or watching a favorite show provide me with the balance I need. I also find joy in giving back whether volunteering, engaging with my community, or mentoring others who are considering healthcare careers. Being able to share my knowledge and experiences with others brings me fulfillment outside of my own journey. Nursing is not just a profession to me; it is an extension of who I am. My personal experiences of loss, my professional background in healthcare and insurance, and my values of compassion and advocacy have all led me to this path. Yet what keeps me balanced and motivated is the love I have for my family, my faith, and the joy I find in everyday life with my Yorkie Poo. I believe the best nurses are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also whole people who bring their humanity into their work. That is the kind of nurse I aspire to be one who provides excellent care while staying grounded in the things that bring me joy, balance, and purpose.

My decision to pursue nursing as a career has been deeply influenced by the experiences and challenges I have faced throughout my life. From a young age, I witnessed the effects of poor healthcare on my family, most significantly when my father passed away due to inadequate medical care. That loss was more than personal grief; it was a turning point that revealed to me the gaps in our healthcare system and the devastating consequences when patients are not properly advocated for. His death left me with a strong conviction that I wanted to be a part of the solution to ensure that patients and their families receive quality, compassionate, and equitable care. Over the past fifteen years, I have built a foundation in healthcare through diverse roles including medical assistant, patient care technician, sterile processing technician, and certified nursing assistant. These roles provided me with both technical skills and a deeper understanding of the patient experience. While working at the VA Hospital, I had the privilege of caring for veterans in multiple capacities. Their resilience and sacrifices inspired me, and I found meaning in being able to serve those who once served our country. It was in those moments comforting a veteran, assisting in procedures, or ensuring that equipment was properly sterilized that I realized how much I valued being part of a team that made a direct impact on patient outcomes. Beyond my hands on clinical work, my journey as a life and health insurance agent further influenced my path toward nursing. In that role, I saw how often individuals lacked knowledge about their health coverage and how to navigate the system effectively. Many of them did not know how to advocate for themselves or make informed decisions about their care. This experience deepened my desire to combine advocacy with clinical practice. Nursing provides the perfect opportunity to do both to educate, empower, and care for patients holistically. Nursing, for me, is more than a profession. It is a calling rooted in service, compassion, and advocacy. My personal losses, professional background, and commitment to educating others have all come together to inspire me to pursue this path. I believe that by becoming a nurse, I can honor my father’s memory, serve my community, and help ensure that patients receive the care, respect, and support they deserve. This journey has not been easy, but every challenge has strengthened my determination. Nursing is not just my career choice it is my purpose.

My vision for myself as a nurse in the future is deeply intertwined with the idea of compassionate care, patient advocacy, and health education. Drawing from my diverse background in healthcare, insurance, and personal experiences, I see myself as a nurse who makes a significant impact both at the bedside and within the broader community. One of the most important aspects of my vision is ensuring that every patient feels empowered and informed about their health. My experiences as a medical assistant and as the founder of Wise Provisions LLC have shown me how critical it is for people to understand their healthcare options and feel equipped to make decisions. In the future, I want to be a nurse who takes the time to educate patients and their families in a way that is clear and understandable. This could mean simplifying complex medical information, helping patients navigate their care plans, or advocating for their needs when they don’t have the voice or resources to do so. I am especially passionate about advocating for marginalized and underserved communities. Having grown up witnessing the challenges that people in my family and community faced due to lack of healthcare access and understanding, I want to be a part of the solution. I envision myself working in a setting where I can address health disparities head-on, whether that’s in a hospital, community clinic, or public health organization. By using my skills to advocate for policy changes or improve access to care, I aim to create environments where every patient receives equitable, high-quality healthcare. Another significant part of my vision is blending my nursing career with my background in insurance and financial planning. I see a future where I use my dual expertise to bridge the gap between healthcare and financial literacy. Many patients delay or avoid care because they don’t understand how insurance works or fear the financial repercussions. As a nurse, I hope to develop programs that educate patients about managing healthcare costs and understanding their insurance benefits. This could mean hosting workshops, creating educational materials, or even working with policymakers to simplify healthcare access. In my practice, I want to focus on preventative care and wellness. Prevention and health promotion have become increasingly important to me, especially as I’ve studied how the drivers of health influence patient outcomes. I envision myself encouraging patients to take control of their well-being by setting realistic, sustainable goals. From nutrition and exercise to regular screenings and wellness visits, I hope to empower people to prioritize their health in ways that fit their lifestyles. My background has also shaped my desire to work in a setting that embraces technological advancements. As a nurse, I plan to use the latest tools to enhance patient outcomes and improve the efficiency of care delivery. One area I’m particularly interested in is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in patient care. I want to be a part of the generation of nurses who learn to harness these technologies ethically and equitably, ensuring that they’re used to benefit all patients, especially those who might otherwise be left behind. While bedside nursing is central to my vision, I also see myself in a leadership role. I hope to mentor and guide future nurses, sharing my experiences and encouraging them to think critically about patient care. I aspire to be the kind of nurse leader who fosters an environment of continuous learning and compassion. Whether it’s by joining hospital committees focused on patient safety, leading community health initiatives, or becoming involved in nursing education, I want to make a difference that reaches beyond my direct patients. On a more personal note, I dream of working in a specialized area that aligns with my passion for cardiovascular health and wellness, perhaps in an emergency department or intensive care unit. After witnessing the impact of poor healthcare on my father, I am especially motivated to prevent similar tragedies for other families. I envision myself becoming certified in a specialized field, providing expert-level care while continuing to pursue education to stay on the cutting edge of medical advances. My ultimate goal as a future nurse is to deliver holistic care that addresses not just physical health but the emotional and socioeconomic aspects of healing. I want to be a pillar of support for my patients, someone they know will go the extra mile to advocate for their well-being. Nursing, to me, is not just a career but a calling a chance to heal, educate, and inspire others, using every tool and piece of knowledge I have acquired. With this vision, I am committed to growing as a nurse and creating a lasting impact in the world of healthcare.

My educational journey has been anything but linear, but every turn has brought me closer to understanding my true purpose: becoming a nurse dedicated to making a meaningful impact. I’m currently a nursing student at Duke University, enrolled in their accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. This journey has been marked by a series of experiences and realizations that have continually guided me back to my passion for healthcare. I began my career as a medical assistant, a role I held for over 15 years, which provided a strong foundation in patient care. During this time, I also pursued education in nursing, first at Bon Secours School of Nursing. However, life threw a few curveballs, and I had to put my dream on hold. While working at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, I witnessed firsthand the importance of compassionate and informed healthcare. Although the VA didn’t offer tuition support for my longer program at Duke, my drive to make a difference never wavered. Instead, I decided to focus on self-funding my education, no matter how difficult that might be. My journey hasn’t just been about medicine; it’s also included a focus on insurance and advocacy. Witnessing the healthcare system’s gaps led me to start my own insurance business, Wise Provisions LLC. It became clear to me that many people in my community struggled to navigate healthcare and make the best choices for themselves. I realized I could combine my passion for nursing with my expertise in insurance, empowering people to make informed decisions. The moment that truly crystallized my desire to become a nurse came when I lost my father due to poor healthcare. Watching him suffer and realizing that, with better advocacy and informed decisions, things could have turned out differently lit a fire within me. That was my “aha” moment. I didn’t want other families to experience the same loss, and I knew I needed to be part of the change. I wanted to advocate for patients not just on an insurance or educational level but directly, at the bedside, where lives could be transformed through care and compassion. Returning to school has not been easy, especially now that I’m attending Duke University full-time for 16 months. Balancing finances, academic responsibilities, and life as an entrepreneur and future nurse has tested my resilience. But my passion for nursing has never been clearer, and the experiences that led me here have equipped me to face these challenges head-on. Even with financial hardships, such as loan denials and the lack of a cosigner, my determination only grows stronger. The “aha” moment wasn’t just about realizing I wanted to be a nurse; it was about understanding the kind of nurse I wanted to be. I want to be the one who not only cares for patients but also ensures they feel empowered, informed, and respected. My background in medical assistance, insurance, and personal loss has given me a unique perspective, and I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Porshia Mabine 09-02-2024 How I Impact Others Through Giving When I lost my father due to inadequate healthcare, it was a turning point in my life that sparked a deep desire to help others avoid the pain my family experienced. This pivotal moment drove me to pursue a career in nursing, where I could directly contribute to the well-being of others, and to start my life insurance business, Wise Provisions LLC. My mission has always been clear: to educate and empower people in my community so that they have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their health and insurance. Through Wise Provisions LLC, I have had the privilege of giving back in meaningful ways. One of the most rewarding experiences was helping a young mother, struggling to understand her health insurance options, secure the coverage she needed for her family. I spent countless hours walking her through the complexities of her policy, ensuring she understood every detail. The relief on her face when she realized she could afford the care her child needed was a moment I’ll never forget. It’s moments like these that reaffirm my commitment to my work and the impact it has on others. My dedication to giving back extends beyond my business. As I pursue my nursing degree at Duke University, I am constantly looking for ways to integrate my knowledge of healthcare and insurance to better serve those around me. Whether it’s through volunteering at local clinics or educating my peers on the importance of health literacy, I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. My studies in nursing have provided me with the skills and knowledge to take my efforts to the next level, allowing me to address both the immediate healthcare needs of individuals and the broader systemic issues that impact their well-being. However, pursuing higher education has not been without its financial challenges. As a full-time student, I have had to balance the costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses with the financial responsibilities of running my business. These challenges have been compounded by the need to support my family and care for my beloved Yorkie Poo, Portia, who has been a source of comfort and companionship during this journey. Despite these difficulties, I remain committed to my goals, knowing that the education I am receiving will enable me to give back even more effectively in the future. Receiving financial support through scholarships would be a tremendous help in alleviating some of the burdens I currently face. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and my mission of giving back, rather than worrying about how to make ends meet. More importantly, it would empower me to continue making a positive impact in my community through both my nursing career and my work in insurance. In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to giving back and making a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through helping someone navigate the complexities of health insurance or providing compassionate care as a nurse, I am dedicated to using my skills and knowledge to serve those around me. With the support of a scholarship, I will be able to continue this important work, ensuring that my impact on others only grows in the years to come.