The opportunity to volunteer in a Non-Governmental Organisation in my rural community sparked my initial interest in a career in nursing; however, my father's death confirmed that I wanted to go into oncology nursing. My father was diagnosed with cancer in my final year of high school. At the time, the oncologist in charge of his care could not pinpoint where the cancer cells began due to inadequate medical equipment. This news slowly separated everyone in my family, as my parents had to move to a city where the equipment was available. My parents reluctantly sent my younger brother to my aunt's house to prevent him from seeing everything my father went through. I lost connection with my parents for precisely four months. When I finally heard from them, my father was dead. I attended a boarding school and had this information kept away from me until his death. At this point, I had no idea what nursing area I wanted to specialize in. The news of his death and everything he went through birthed in me an interest in oncology nursing and a desire to advocate, support and care for people living with cancer. Before coming to a stand on what I wanted to offer as a nurse, I had an opportunity To volunteer in an NGO funded by Jhpiego, an affiliate of John-Hopkins University, to support pregnant women and young children between the ages of one and five combat malaria. Alongside the other teenagers and nurses on the team, I administered Wellness checkups to expectant mothers, donated relief packages, hosted awareness campaigns in market squares and different institutions, and distributed insecticide-treated nets. During my volunteer experience, the attitude put into work for better health provided to the patient was a beautiful sight. Amongst the health professionals involved, the nurses made the most significant connection with the patients, as they were in the closest proximity. The nurses' attitude towards work caused an initial stir for nursing in me, as I now desire to connect with patients and provide them with the best health services, care, and support. Inspired by my father's death, I plan to pursue a career in nursing as an oncology nurse. The time, attention, care, and support I could not give my father during the struggle in his life; I would love and appreciate every opportunity to give to others fighting cancer. I also look forward to advocating for my patient's best interest in receiving health services, fair treatments, and payment options. Coupled with this opportunity, I would love to serve my country by creating internship opportunities and medical camps to prepare the minds and skills of youths and teenagers seeking a health-related career, just as I was given a chance to. During my undergraduate years, particularly in Fall 2023, I plan to volunteer as a student ambassador at the College of Nursing to imbibe the skills and knowledge necessary for my pursuits. In my Sophomore and Senior years, I plan to join cancer research to gain an in-depth understanding of the illness and ways to avoid its risks. To be adequately equipped for my career, I am volunteering at a group home to help me improve my communication skills and expertise. Following graduation from the University of Arizona, I intend to complete the credential programs of the oncology nursing certification Corporation, which would help me to become an oncology-certified nurse. I also plan to continue the community service initiative involving cancer education to give back while creating financial assistance programs for students and families, just as I will be honored to receive the opportunity today.

The opportunity to volunteer in a Non-Governmental Organisation in my rural community sparked my initial interest in a career in nursing; however, my father’s death confirmed that I wanted to go into oncology nursing. My father was diagnosed with cancer in my final year of high school. I never really understood the severity of cancer. When my mum brought his illness to my knowledge, I thought chemotherapy would solve everything, so I paid less attention to the progress of his treatment. Seeing him kneel beside his bed in pain broke me. This was the first time I saw my dad in agony. At the time, the oncologist in charge of his care could not pinpoint where the cancer cells began due to inadequate medical equipment. This news slowly separated my family, as my parents had to move to a city where the equipment was available. I lost connection with my parents for precisely four months. When I finally heard from them, my father was dead. His death grieved my mom the most as she witnessed everything. Before coming to a stand on what I wanted to offer as a nurse, I had an opportunity To volunteer in an NGO funded by Jhpiego, an affiliate of John Hopkins University, to support pregnant women and young children between the ages of one and five combat malaria. During my volunteer experience, the attitude put into work by the nurses for better health provided to the patient was a beautiful sight. Amongst the health professionals involved, the nurses made the most significant connection with the patients, as they were in the closest proximity and showed genuine interest in providing care. The nurses’ attitude toward their patients caused an initial stir for nursing in me, as I now desire to connect with patients and provide them with the best health services, care, and support. I had always wanted to pursue higher education but was unsure what field I wanted to specialize in. After my dad’s death, I decided to pursue nursing in college to specialize in oncology. I want to become an oncology nurse to provide care and attention to people on the arduous journey of surviving cancer. Following graduation from the University of Arizona, I intend to complete the credential programs of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, which would help me to become an Oncology Certified Nurse. Inspired by my father’s death, my goal as an oncology nurse is to advocate for patients and their families, educate them, and provide care, support, and love. Cancer is slowly claiming people’s lives and making its way to the top of the leading causes of death in our society. The news of being afflicted with it causes emotional and mental breakdowns for many patients and their families. At this point, a nurse’s support would benefit the family and the patient. Family grief, tears, and wailings could influence patients’ receptiveness to care. Therefore, I would love to support patients, their families, and friends. As a patient advocate, I will prioritize their rights, health, and safety while ensuring they receive the best treatment and suitable payment options. I hope to disseminate relevant information to my future patients and their loved ones to improve their quality of life. I also plan to continue the community service initiative involving cancer education to give back while creating financial assistance programs for students and families, just as I will be honored to receive the opportunity today and carry on the work of Dashanna McNeil.

Choosing a career is one of the toughest decisions I have made in my life. When I was about to graduate from secondary school in Nigeria(aka as high school), I lost my mind most times thinking about what God wanted for me and what he knew will bring out the best potentials he put in me. I read books on how to know the right career to pursue but it never worked out. I prayed, I searched within myself for possible signs but there was nothing. I just decided to take a break. My parents and friends were the most supportive system I got at this point because they all believed I got it. At points were my faith was down, they were there to lift me up. I really appreciate them for their support. In my final year in secondary school, I got news that my dad had cancer. I took it so lightly as I thought it was a joke. I thought it was something that could get by so easily. This was my first time encountering a cancer patient so I did not know the severity. It only dawned on me when I saw worry in my mother’s eyes. On a beautiful Friday evening, my mother and elder brother came to pick me up from school. I was so excited to go home because I felt my father was recovering. To my greatest surprise, he passed on. I am still very surprised about how consoled I am. In a matter of three days, I got my life in order and was ready to do better and make my family proud. God helped me a whole lot. After making this decision, I began asking questions. I wanted to know how cancer finds it way to weaken the human body and ways to avoid it. A doctor had said it is possible my siblings and me could have it, but I know our cases will be different. I decided not to study about cancer but to give hope and support those going through this. Being a doctor would be a good option but the fact that as a nurse you will build more connections with the patient, especially while taking care of them, I want to base there. I want to give them reasons to fight on. I want to pray with them. I would have possibly gone for being a nurse anesthesiologist which has a higher pay, but the reason to be there for these patients at that point in time will be so much of a blessing . If I must say, my fathers death inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I really want to be an oncology nurse. I delight in being a shoulder for people to cry on and find peace.