I have chosen to pursue a career in nursing due to my deep passion for helping others and positively impacting their lives. The nursing profession allows me to combine my empathetic nature with my desire to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities. Throughout my life, there have been various inspirations that have guided me toward this path. My experiences growing up in foster care shaped my perspective on the importance of compassionate care. Witnessing the impact that dedicated caregivers had on my well-being sparked a desire within me to be that source of support and comfort for others. Additionally, my encounters with healthcare professionals during challenging times instilled in me a deep appreciation for nursing. I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact that nurses have on patients' lives, not only through their medical expertise but also through their compassion, understanding, and ability to provide emotional support. Furthermore, my desire to pursue nursing was fueled by my experiences as a mother. The responsibility of caring for my children and advocating for their well-being inspired me to enter a field where I could extend that nurturing and protective instinct to others. I wanted to be able to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families during moments of vulnerability and need. Moreover, my academic pursuits and personal growth have significantly influenced my decision to become a nurse. As I delved into various subjects and explored different career paths, I realized that nursing aligned perfectly with my strengths, values, and aspirations. It encompasses healthcare's scientific and humanistic aspects, allowing me to combine my passion for scientific knowledge with my innate desire to provide compassionate care. The inspiration I draw from nurses I have encountered throughout my life cannot be understated. These healthcare professionals have demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience, and genuine patient commitment. They have served as role models for me, showcasing the profound impact that nursing can have on the lives of others. Their compassion, expertise, and ability to connect with patients on a personal level have truly inspired me to pursue this noble profession. Lastly, the societal need for qualified and compassionate nurses has been a driving force in my decision. I know the growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved communities. By becoming a nurse, I can contribute to addressing this need and play a part in improving access to quality healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. In conclusion, I have chosen to pursue a career in nursing due to my innate desire to help others, the impactful experiences I have had with healthcare professionals, my role as a mother, and the alignment of my strengths and values with the nursing profession. The inspiration from caregivers, both past and present, has fueled my passion for nursing and shown me the transformative power it holds. With a deep sense of purpose, I am eager to embark on this rewarding journey and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities through nursing.

As a single mother, it is of utmost importance to me to set a positive example for my children through self-improvement and unwavering determination. I want to show them that anything is possible with hard work, resilience, and a refusal to give up. Through my pursuit of self-improvement, particularly in my nursing education, I demonstrate to my children the value of lifelong learning and personal growth. Despite my challenges, including being a product of the foster care system, I have never allowed my circumstances to define me. Instead, I have used them as fuel to propel myself forward and create a better life for my family. By returning to school in 2019 and pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse, I consciously decided to invest in myself and my children's future. I want my children to understand the importance of education and the doors it can open. My journey aims to inspire them to pursue their passions and dreams, no matter their obstacles. I strive to be a role model for my children by demonstrating the power of determination. Despite the naysayers who doubted my ability to succeed as a single mother, I remained steadfast in my goals. Every milestone I reach reminds my children never to allow others' negativity or limitations to hold them back. Through my accomplishments, such as graduating from Palomar College with an associate degree and excelling as an EMT, I have shown my children firsthand the importance of perseverance. They have witnessed me overcome challenges, personally and professionally, and saw the rewards of pushing through difficult times. My journey has not been without its share of sacrifices. Balancing school, work, and raising children is no easy feat, but I want my children to understand that achieving their dreams often requires sacrifice and hard work. I hope they learn the value of determination, resilience, and discipline by witnessing my commitment to my nursing education and career. Moreover, I want my children to see the positive impact I can make as a nurse. By caring for others, providing comfort, and being a source of support during times of illness and vulnerability, I hope to instill in them a sense of compassion and empathy. Through my actions, I aim to teach them the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need. Ultimately, my self-improvement and determination are not solely for my benefit but for the betterment of my children's lives. I want them to grow up knowing they can create their destinies and that obstacles should never be seen as insurmountable barriers. By painting an excellent example for my children through self-improvement and determination, I give them a roadmap for success. I want them to know that setbacks are temporary and that they have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenges they may face. Through my actions, I aim to inspire my children to reach for the stars, pursue their passions, and believe in themselves. I want them to understand that their circumstances do not define their future and that they have the power to shape their own lives. Ultimately, my impact on my children's lives through my self-improvement and determination is immeasurable. I aim to empower them to become the best versions of themselves and achieve their dreams by showing them the transformative power of education, determination, and resilience.

The nursing industry has always captivated me as a career choice due to its profound impact on people's lives and the opportunity to provide compassionate care. I am drawn to the idea of being a source of support and comfort during some of the most challenging moments in a person's life. It is a profession that allows me to make a positive difference in the world and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities. My goals for a successful nursing career are centered around continuous growth, professional development, and delivering exceptional patient care. I aim to advance my knowledge and skills to become a highly competent and well-rounded nurse. I aspire to work in diverse healthcare settings, such as hospitals or community clinics, where I can interact with individuals from various backgrounds and gain a comprehensive understanding of their unique healthcare needs. Throughout my journey, I have achieved personal accomplishments that have propelled me toward these goals. Despite facing significant challenges, including growing up in foster care and becoming a single mother, I never let adversity deter me from pursuing my dreams. In 2019, I began my educational journey by enrolling in a nursing program at Nightingale College. This decision marked a turning point in my life, as I was determined to provide a better future for my children and myself. I completed my Math, Science, and General Studies associate degree and an EMT Certificate from Palomar College in 2021. This achievement not only expanded my knowledge in essential subjects but also provided me with valuable hands-on experience in emergency medical services. I work as an EMT for American Medical Response, where I continuously demonstrate my dedication and commitment to patient care. Despite initial doubts from others, I overcame obstacles and proved myself as an exceptional employee, eventually transitioning to the coveted La Mesa Fire District and working alongside fire crews on 911 calls. My past experiences have also cultivated resilience and empathy, which are essential for a successful nursing career. Having personally navigated the healthcare system for my children, including my son's placement in an out-of-state locked unit and my daughter's Cerebral Palsy with a recent diagnosis of Conduct Disorder, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges patients and their families face. These experiences have instilled in me a profound sense of compassion and an unwavering dedication to advocating for the well-being of others. While I may not have formal internships or extensive volunteer experience in the medical field, my work experience and caregiving responsibilities have provided me with invaluable insights into the healthcare system and the importance of holistic care. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to becoming a nurse and have given me a unique perspective on the needs and struggles of patients. In summary, the nursing industry captivates me because it can make a meaningful difference in people's lives. My goals for a successful nursing career revolve around continuous growth, professional development, and delivering exceptional care. I have demonstrated my dedication and resilience through my accomplishments, such as completing my associate degree and excelling as an EMT. My personal health situations and caregiving responsibilities have also shaped my empathy and passion for advocating for others. I am committed to embarking on a nursing career and utilizing my experiences to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to needy individuals.

My name is Rachel, and I am a Nursing Student at Nightingale College. My journey back to school began in 2017, when I was divorced and alone, with three exceptional children to care for. Despite my challenges growing up in foster care, I knew I had to be strong for my kids and become the leader my parents could never be. In my heart, I had always wanted to be a Nurse. So, I asked myself, "Why not now?" I leaped and started looking into nursing programs. I embarked on this remarkable journey on January 26, 2019, at 37. Along the way, I encountered doubters who told me I couldn't achieve my dream as a single mother. But for every milestone I reached, I proved them wrong. I graduated from Palomar College in 2021 with an associate degree in Math, Science, and General Studies and an EMT Certificate. Despite being discouraged during my training, I persevered and proved myself an excellent EMT. I now find myself in the coveted La Mesa Fire District, running 911 calls with fire crews while continuing my education through the hybrid Nursing program at Nightingale College. Throughout this journey, I have faced numerous obstacles, personally and on the job. As a single mother, financial difficulties have been a significant challenge, especially with my son's placement in an out-of-state locked unit and my daughter's medical condition. Despite these hardships, I refuse to let failure be an option. This scholarship would provide crucial support for me and my children, helping us stay home and providing stability in our lives. It would reinforce the message to my kids that success is achievable through hard work, determination, and the refusal to quit. As a future Nurse, I want to be a beacon of strength for others. I have experienced the foster care system and fought my way through life, never giving up. I am determined to finish Nursing school not just for myself but for my children and for those who need encouragement. People often ask me how I balance school, work, and raising my kids. The truth is, I do it. I don't have a secret formula or a magic answer. But by finishing what I've started and overcoming every obstacle in my path, I can inspire and help others who are struggling. I want to show them they can make it, no matter their challenges. Becoming a Nurse will deepen my empathy and compassion for others. It will allow me to relate profoundly with my patients, drawing from my life experiences. I want to be a source of strength for women and single mothers, proving that anything is possible if you refuse to quit. I have stumbled along the way, but I am determined not to let setbacks define me. Once I become a Nurse, I aim to provide financial assistance to single mothers who aspire to further their education. I want to offer reassurance and hope to those who refuse to settle for mediocrity. By sharing my story, I inspire others to embrace their resiliency and believe in their ability to achieve greatness. I am grateful for the gift of this second chance at education, and I will not waste it. With unwavering determination, I will finish Nursing school and become the beacon of strength I aspire to be. Together, let us prove that with hard work, dedication, and an indomitable spirit, we can overcome any obstacle and create a brighter future.

I am uniquely deserving of this award for several reasons. Firstly, my journey and experiences have shaped my determination and resilience. I have faced challenges that demanded strength and leadership. I found myself divorced and alone with three kids, and at that moment, I realized the importance of being a role model for them. I prayed and reflected, and the answer came to me: pursuing higher education. Nursing has always been my passion, and I felt a calling to follow it immediately. Despite skepticism from others, I embarked on this journey in 2019 at 37. I remember the discouraging words of a woman in my neighborhood who claimed that I couldn't become a nurse as a single mother. Her doubt became my motivation, and with sheer determination, I graduated from Palomar College in 2021 with an associate degree in Math, Science, and General Studies and an EMT Certificate. I swiftly secured a job as an EMT with American Medical Response, despite an IFT Supervisor telling me that I couldn't handle the training while being a mother. I proved my dedication and excellence as an employee, progressing to the ALS division and now working in the La Mesa Fire District, responding to 911 calls with fire crews. Simultaneously, I enrolled in Nightingale College's hybrid Nursing program, which allows me to continue my education while balancing my responsibilities at home. The program requires minimal travel for clinical work, ensuring I can be present for my children. Overcoming numerous obstacles, I am confident I will obtain my BSN in January 2026. Financial struggles have been a significant hurdle during the past year. With my 17-year-old son placed in an out-of-state locked unit and my 13-year-old daughter coping with Cerebral Palsy and Conduct Disorder, I have become their sole provider and caretaker. Balancing their needs with my education and work has affected my income, leaving me behind on bills and rent. Winning this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden and help me secure a stable living situation for my children and myself. My "why" for pursuing higher education in the healthcare field goes beyond personal aspirations. Failure has never been an option for me. I want to prove to my children that success is attainable through hard work, determination, and refusing to quit. Coming from a background in foster homes, I refuse to become another statistic. My journey through life has been a fight against the odds, and I am determined to finish what I started. By completing my nursing education, I will be a beacon of strength and inspiration for my children, others in similar circumstances, and anyone needing encouragement. The challenges I have faced and continue to overcome have instilled me a deep empathy and compassion for others. As a nurse, I will be able to relate to my patients on a profound level, drawing from my own life experiences. I want to show women and single mothers that they can achieve greatness if they persevere. I have stumbled many times, but I refuse to accept failure. Once I become a nurse, I will use my experiences and knowledge to support those struggling, offering reassurance and hope. In the future, I aspire to financially assist single mothers in pursuing their education, helping them break free from mediocrity and reach their full potential. In conclusion, my unique journey, unwavering determination, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others make me deserving of this award. By choosing me, you support my educational aspirations and empower a woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances.

Growing up in foster care and facing the challenges of single motherhood, my life experiences have profoundly influenced my decision to pursue nursing. 2018 as a mother of three exceptional children, I was divorced and alone. Determined to be a robust role model for my kids and break the neglect I experienced, I searched for a way to make a difference. Through prayer and self-reflection, the idea of returning to school to become a nurse consumed my thoughts. It felt like the right time, and I asked myself, "Why not now?" At age 37, on January 26, 2019, I embarked on my journey back to school. However, doubts from others loomed over me. A woman in my neighborhood asserted that I couldn't become a nurse as a single mother. Her words became fuel for my determination. Graduating from Palomar College in 2021 with an associate degree in Math, Science, and General Studies and an EMT Certificate validated my commitment. Soon after, I was hired as an EMT by American Medical Response, despite skepticism from my training supervisor, who questioned my ability to balance motherhood with the job's demands. Undeterred, I proved myself an excellent employee, advancing from IFT to ALS within six months. Currently, I serve in the coveted La Mesa Fire District, responding to 911 calls alongside fire crews. Simultaneously, I enrolled in Nightingale College's hybrid Nursing program, which allows me to continue my education remotely and minimize travel for clinical work. Despite my obstacles, I remain confident that I will obtain my BSN in January 2026. As a single mother pursuing a healthcare career, finances have posed a significant challenge in the past year. My 17-year-old son's placement in an out-of-state locked unit in October 2022, along with my 13-year-old daughter's Cerebral Palsy and a new diagnosis of Conduct Disorder, have affected my ability to work full-time. Consequently, my income has drastically decreased, and I now struggle to meet bills and rent payments. If granted this scholarship, I would use the funds to ensure housing stability for my children and me, enabling us to continue living in our current home, our sanctuary, since January 2020. Failure has never been an option for me. My vision of becoming a nurse became my unwavering focus once my journey began. I aim to show my children that success is attainable through my determination and refusal to quit. I strive to be a beacon of strength for them, emphasizing the importance of hard work and resilience. Having experienced the hardships of foster care, I refuse to succumb to the system, becoming just another statistic. Regardless of the challenges life has thrown at me, I have persevered, and I am committed to finishing nursing school for my fulfillment and my children, and those who need inspiration. I believe God has given me a gift that I will not squander. People often inquire about how I juggle school, work, and parenting. I don't have a specific answer; I do what needs to be done. My most significant impact will come from completing what I started and surmounting every obstacle. Through my journey, I aspire to inspire struggling others, reassuring them they can overcome their circumstances. I aim to be a source of strength for my loved ones and those observing from afar. Becoming a nurse will deepen my empathy and compassion for humanity, as I can relate to my patients more deeply, drawing from my own life experiences. Furthermore, I want to demonstrate to women and single mothers that anything is possible.

My name is Rachel, a Nursing Student at Nightingale College, and my journey back to school began in 2017. Despite being a mother to three exceptional children, I was divorced and alone. Determined to be a strong leader for my kids, I prayed and searched for a path forward. The idea of going back to school to become a nurse consumed my thoughts. I had always wanted to pursue nursing and felt the time was right. My current job offered no safety net or retirement plan, so if I didn't take action now, when would I? On January 26, 2019, at 37, I embarked on my educational journey. However, a woman in my neighborhood told me that I couldn't become a nurse as a single mother. Her words echoed in my mind as I achieved each milestone. Nevertheless, I graduated from Palomar College in 2021 with an associate degree in Math, Science, and General Studies and an EMT Certificate and NREMT; immediately hired by American Medical Response as an EMT. During my training, the IFT Supervisor doubted my commitment due to having children at home. But I persevered, proving myself as an excellent employee. Within six months, I moved from IFT to ALS, and now I work in the coveted La Mesa Fire District, responding to 911 calls with fire crews. Concurrently, I joined Nightingale College's hybrid Nursing program, allowing me to continue my education from home with minimal travel for clinical work. I have faced numerous obstacles, but I am confident I will obtain my BSN in January 2026. As a single mother striving to advance my healthcare career, financial challenges have plagued me over the past year. In October 2022, my 17-year-old son moved to an out-of-state locked unit, and my 13-year-old daughter, who has Cerebral Palsy, received a new diagnosis of Conduct Disorder. Being their sole provider and caretaker has limited my ability to work full-time at AMR, resulting in a significant decrease in income. Consequently, I have fallen behind on bills and rent. If awarded this scholarship, I would use the funds to cover rent and ensure my kids, and I can continue living in our home since January 2020. Failure has never been an option for me. I envisioned becoming a nurse, and once I began my journey, I never looked back. By pursuing a higher level of education, I aim to show my children that success is possible. I want to be a beacon of strength for them, demonstrating that hard work, determination, and refusal to quit can lead to achievement. Foster homes marked my childhood, but I have fought my way through life instead of succumbing to the system. Regardless of the obstacles thrown at me, I have never given up. Completing nursing school is not just a personal goal but a testament to resilience and inspiration to those who need encouragement. I believe that I have been given a gift from God and am committed to making the most of it. People often ask me how I survive school, work, and parenting demands. While I may not have a specific answer, I continue to push forward. My most significant impact will come from finishing what I've started and overcoming every obstacle. Through my perseverance, I aim to inspire others who are struggling, proving to them that they can make it. I aspire to be a source of strength for my friends, family, and even those observing from a distance. Once I become a nurse, my life experiences and the challenges I've overcome will deepen my empathy and compassion for humanity.

With three kids and a divorce on the horizon; I had no business chasing my dream of being a nurse. It was the winter of 2018. I had been a hairstylist for 17 years, but it was always just a paycheck. Ever since I was a little girl, I had wanted to be in the medical field. Growing up in the foster care system, I became hyper-independent at a very young age. I moved out when I was 18 and started my life. I attempted to go to school for Nursing, but I had bills to pay. I picked the fastest career path, which was Cosmetology School, and went all in. This was the beginning of my career by default. Now, I decided to take my life back. I was going to become a Nurse. I was going to fulfil my calling. I started at Palomar College in January 2019 on my road to my associate degree. It was not easy. I had a full-time job and was a single mom to three kids, but I have never been a quitter. I wanted this for me, my kids, and my future patients. With the Pandemic came special circumstances. Everything moved online. I had to get creative. I knew that I needed to obtain a job in healthcare for experience, so I added an EMT certification fast-track course to my 2021 semester. This put my Spring 2021 semester at 21 units. I was committed to finishing the first degree I would need to head into Nursing School. On my birthday, May 28, 2021; I graduated. An associate degree in Math, Science and general studies, along with EMT certification. Finally, I could further pursue my dream of becoming a Nurse. I applied to the Nursing Program at Palomar College, and quickly realized the next journey wasn't going to eb and flow as I had hoped. I did not get into Palomar's Nursing Program. I pursued a career as an EMT with AMR in June 2021. I was hired on, however, in the middle of my training, I was pulled out for a heart-to-heart with the IFT Supervisor who told me he didn't think I could manage 12-hour shifts with three kids at home. He even told me that I shouldn't even bother finishing my training if I could not accept whatever schedule they provided me with. I told him that I would figure it out. That I always did. I received my schedule and worked hard. They promoted me to the ALS side of AMR by October 2021. Full disclaimer, this move normally takes at least 6 months. I continued to move up the ranks and was placed at headquarters for San Miguel Fire at station 15. I work with our Union President, named Marcia Neal. She has been a fabulous partner to have, and I have learned so much from her. I have realized that without the experience I have had out in the field with AMR, Nursing School would have been incredibly hard. I was able to get a few more classes under my belt and felt comfortable enough with the knowledge acquired from AMR to re-apply to Nursing Schools. I have been accepted into Nightingale's Nursing Program. Looking back to all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears I have poured into this journey; I thank God for the opportunity to continue my pursuit of my BSN. With this being a hybrid program, I am confident I can be the very best student and continue raising my three children without missing major milestones.

With three kids and a divorce on the horizon; I had no business chasing my dream of being a nurse. It was the winter of 2018. I had been a hairstylist for 17 years, but it was always just a paycheck. Ever since I was a little girl, I had wanted to be in the medical field. Growing up in the foster care system, I became hyper-independent at a very young age. I moved out when I was 18 and started my life. I attempted to go to school for Nursing, but I had bills to pay. I picked the fastest career path, which was Cosmetology School, and went all in. This was the beginning of my career by default. Now, I decided to take my life back. I was going to become a Nurse. I was going to fulfil my calling. I started at Palomar College in January 2019 on my road to my associate degree. It was not easy. I had a full-time job and was a single mom to three kids, but I have never been a quitter. I wanted this for me, my kids, and my future patients. With the Pandemic came special circumstances. Everything moved online. I had to get creative. I knew that I needed to obtain a job in healthcare for experience, so I added an EMT certification fast-track course to my 2021 semester. This put my Spring 2021 semester at 21 units. I was committed to finishing the first degree I would need to head into Nursing School. On my birthday, May 28, 2021; I graduated. An associate degree in Math, Science and general studies, along with EMT certification. Finally, I could further pursue my dream of becoming a Nurse. I applied to the Nursing Program at Palomar College, and quickly realized the next journey wasn't going to eb and flow as I had hoped. I did not get into Palomar's Nursing Program. I pursued a career as an EMT with AMR in June 2021. I was hired on, however, in the middle of my training, I was pulled out for a heart-to-heart with the IFT Supervisor who told me he didn't think I could manage 12-hour shifts with three kids at home. He even told me that I shouldn't even bother finishing my training if I could not accept whatever schedule they provided me with. I told him that I would figure it out. That I always did. I received my schedule and worked hard. They promoted me to the ALS side of AMR by October 2021. Full disclaimer, this move normally takes at least 6 months. I continued to move up the ranks and was placed at headquarters for San Miguel Fire at station 15. I work with our Union President, named Marcia Neal. She has been a fabulous partner to have, and I have learned so much from her. I have realized that without the experience I have had out in the field with AMR, Nursing School would have been incredibly hard. I was able to get a few more classes under my belt and felt comfortable enough with the knowledge acquired from AMR to re-apply to Nursing Schools. I have been accepted into Nightingale's Nursing Program. Looking back to all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears I have poured into this journey; I thank God for the opportunity to continue my pursuit of my BSN. With this being a hybrid program, I am confident I can be the very best student and continue raising my three children without missing major milestones.

With three kids and a divorce on the horizon; I had no business chasing my dream of being a nurse. It was the winter of 2018. I had been a hairstylist for 17 years, but it was always just a paycheck. Ever since I was a little girl, I had wanted to be in the medical field. Growing up in the foster care system, I became hyper-independent at a very young age. I moved out when I was 18 and started my life. I attempted to go to school for Nursing, but I had bills to pay. I picked the fastest career path, which was Cosmetology School, and went all in. This was the beginning of my career by default. Now, I decided to take my life back. I was going to become a Nurse. I was going to fulfil my calling. I started at Palomar College in January 2019 on my road to my associate degree. It was not easy. I had a full-time job and was a single mom to three kids, but I have never been a quitter. I wanted this for me, my kids, and my future patients. With the Pandemic came special circumstances. Everything moved online. I had to get creative. I knew that I needed to obtain a job in healthcare for experience, so I added an EMT certification fast-track course to my 2021 semester. This put my Spring 2021 semester at 21 units. I was committed to finishing the first degree I would need to head into Nursing School. On my birthday, May 28, 2021; I graduated. An associate degree in Math, Science and general studies, along with EMT certification. Finally, I could further pursue my dream of becoming a Nurse. I applied to the Nursing Program at Palomar College, and quickly realized the next journey wasn't going to eb and flow as I had hoped. I did not get into Palomar's Nursing Program. I pursued a career as an EMT with AMR in June 2021. I was hired on, however, in the middle of my training, I was pulled out for a heart-to-heart with the IFT Supervisor who told me he didn't think I could manage 12-hour shifts with three kids at home. He even told me that I shouldn't even bother finishing my training if I could not accept whatever schedule they provided me with. I told him that I would figure it out. That I always did. I received my schedule and worked hard. They promoted me to the ALS side of AMR by October 2021. Full disclaimer, this move normally takes at least 6 months. I continued to move up the ranks and was placed at headquarters for San Miguel Fire at station 15. I work with our Union President, named Marcia Neal. She has been a fabulous partner to have, and I have learned so much from her. I have realized that without the experience I have had out in the field with AMR, Nursing School would have been incredibly hard. I was able to get a few more classes under my belt and felt comfortable enough with the knowledge acquired from AMR to re-apply to Nursing Schools. I have been accepted into Nightingale's Nursing Program. Looking back to all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears I have poured into this journey; I thank God for the opportunity to continue my pursuit of my BSN. With this being a hybrid program, I am confident I can be the very best student and continue raising my three children without missing major milestones.

With three kids and a divorce on the horizon; I had no business chasing my dream of being a nurse. It was the winter of 2018. I had been a hairstylist for 17 years, but it was always just a paycheck. Ever since I was a little girl, I had wanted to be in the medical field. Growing up in the foster care system, I became hyper-independent at a very young age. I moved out when I was 18 and started my life. I attempted to go to school for Nursing, but I had bills to pay. I picked the fastest career path, which was Cosmetology School, and went all in. This was the beginning of my career by default. Now, I decided to take my life back. I was going to become a Nurse. I was going to fulfil my calling. I started at Palomar College in January 2019 on my road to my associate degree. It was not easy. I had a full-time job and was a single mom to three kids, but I have never been a quitter. I wanted this for me, my kids, and my future patients. With the Pandemic came special circumstances. Everything moved online. I had to get creative. I knew that I needed to obtain a job in healthcare for experience, so I added an EMT certification fast-track course to my 2021 semester. This put my Spring 2021 semester at 21 units. I was committed to finishing the first degree I would need to head into Nursing School. On my birthday, May 28, 2021; I graduated. An associate degree in Math, Science and general studies, along with EMT certification. Finally, I could further pursue my dream of becoming a Nurse. I applied to the Nursing Program at Palomar College, and quickly realized the next journey wasn't going to eb and flow as I had hoped. I did not get into Palomar's Nursing Program. I pursued a career as an EMT with AMR in June 2021. I was hired on, however, in the middle of my training, I was pulled out for a heart-to-heart with the IFT Supervisor who told me he didn't think I could manage 12-hour shifts with three kids at home. He even told me that I shouldn't even bother finishing my training if I could not accept whatever schedule they provided me with. I told him that I would figure it out. That I always did. I received my schedule and worked hard. They promoted me to the ALS side of AMR by October 2021. Full disclaimer, this move normally takes at least 6 months. I continued to move up the ranks and was placed at headquarters for San Miguel Fire at station 15. I work with our Union President, named Marcia Neal. She has been a fabulous partner to have, and I have learned so much from her. I have realized that without the experience I have had out in the field with AMR, Nursing School would have been incredibly hard. I was able to get a few more classes under my belt and felt comfortable enough with the knowledge acquired from AMR to re-apply to Nursing Schools. I have been accepted into Nightingale's Nursing Program. Looking back to all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears I have poured into this journey; I thank God for the opportunity to continue my pursuit of my BSN. With this being a hybrid program, I am confident I can be the very best student and continue raising my three children without missing major milestones.

With three kids and a divorce on the horizon; I had no business chasing my dream of being a nurse. It was the winter of 2018. I had been a hairstylist for 17 years, but it was always just a paycheck. Ever since I was a little girl, I had wanted to be in the medical field. Growing up in the foster care system, I became hyper-independent at a very young age. I moved out when I was 18 and started my life. I attempted to go to school for Nursing, but I had bills to pay. I picked the fastest career path, which was Cosmetology School, and went all in. This was the beginning of my career by default. Now, I decided to take my life back. I was going to become a Nurse. I was going to fulfil my calling. I started at Palomar College in January 2019 on my road to my associate degree. It was not easy. I had a full-time job and was a single mom to three kids, but I have never been a quitter. I wanted this for me, my kids, and my future patients. With the Pandemic came special circumstances. Everything moved online. I had to get creative. I knew that I needed to obtain a job in healthcare for experience, so I added an EMT certification fast-track course to my 2021 semester. This put my Spring 2021 semester at 21 units. I was committed to finishing the first degree I would need to head into Nursing School. On my birthday, May 28, 2021; I graduated. An associate degree in Math, Science and general studies, along with EMT certification. Finally, I could further pursue my dream of becoming a Nurse. I applied to the Nursing Program at Palomar College, and quickly realized the next journey wasn't going to eb and flow as I had hoped. I did not get into Palomar's Nursing Program. I pursued a career as an EMT with AMR in June 2021. I was hired on, however, in the middle of my training, I was pulled out for a heart-to-heart with the IFT Supervisor who told me he didn't think I could manage 12-hour shifts with three kids at home. He even told me that I shouldn't even bother finishing my training if I could not accept whatever schedule they provided me with. I told him that I would figure it out. That I always did. I received my schedule and worked hard. They promoted me to the ALS side of AMR by October 2021. Full disclaimer, this move normally takes at least 6 months. I continued to move up the ranks and was placed at headquarters for San Miguel Fire at station 15. I work with our Union President, named Marcia Neal. She has been a fabulous partner to have, and I have learned so much from her. I have realized that without the experience I have had out in the field with AMR, Nursing School would have been incredibly hard. I was able to get a few more classes under my belt and felt comfortable enough with the knowledge acquired from AMR to re-apply to Nursing Schools. I have been accepted into Nightingale's Nursing Program. Looking back to all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears I have poured into this journey; I thank God for the opportunity to continue my pursuit of my BSN. With this being a hybrid program, I am confident I can be the very best student and continue raising my three children without missing major milestones.

With three kids and a divorce on the horizon; I had no business chasing my dream of being a nurse. It was the winter of 2018. I had been a hairstylist for 17 years, but it was always just a paycheck. Ever since I was a little girl, I had wanted to be in the medical field. Growing up in the foster care system, I became hyper-independent at a very young age. I moved out when I was 18 and started my life. I attempted to go to school for Nursing, but I had bills to pay. I picked the fastest career path, which was Cosmetology School, and went all in. This was the beginning of my career by default. Now, I decided to take my life back. I was going to become a Nurse. I was going to fulfil my calling. I started at Palomar College in January 2019 on my road to my associate degree. It was not easy. I had a full-time job and was a single mom to three kids, but I have never been a quitter. I wanted this for me, my kids, and my future patients. With the Pandemic came special circumstances. Everything moved online. I had to get creative. I knew that I needed to obtain a job in healthcare for experience, so I added an EMT certification fast-track course to my 2021 semester. This put my Spring 2021 semester at 21 units. I was committed to finishing the first degree I would need to head into Nursing School. On my birthday, May 28, 2021; I graduated. An associate degree in Math, Science and general studies, along with EMT certification. Finally, I could further pursue my dream of becoming a Nurse. I applied to the Nursing Program at Palomar College, and quickly realized the next journey wasn't going to eb and flow as I had hoped. I did not get into Palomar's Nursing Program. I pursued a career as an EMT with AMR in June 2021. I was hired on, however, in the middle of my training, I was pulled out for a heart-to-heart with the IFT Supervisor who told me he didn't think I could manage 12-hour shifts with three kids at home. He even told me that I shouldn't even bother finishing my training if I could not accept whatever schedule they provided me with. I told him that I would figure it out. That I always did. I received my schedule and worked hard. They promoted me to the ALS side of AMR by October 2021. Full disclaimer, this move normally takes at least 6 months. I continued to move up the ranks and was placed at headquarters for San Miguel Fire at station 15. I work with our Union President, named Marcia Neal. She has been a fabulous partner to have, and I have learned so much from her. I have realized that without the experience I have had out in the field with AMR, Nursing School would have been incredibly hard. I was able to get a few more classes under my belt and felt comfortable enough with the knowledge acquired from AMR to re-apply to Nursing Schools. I have been accepted into Nightingale's Nursing Program. Looking back to all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears I have poured into this journey; I thank God for the opportunity to continue my pursuit of my BSN. With this being a hybrid program, I am confident I can be the very best student and continue raising my three children without missing major milestones.