When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

"On your marks." I knelt onto my starting blocks. My hands gripped the hard, rubbery surface of the track. My heart was beating fast, and my palms were sweaty. It was the 100m preliminary round of the regional meet in May of my junior year. "Set." I raised my body up in the blocks. "Go!" I reacted to the gun quickly but felt my blocks slipping back as I pushed out of them. I stumbled, panicking. Due to my malfunctioning blocks, I knew I had lost a precious split second in my race, and I felt the field moving ahead of me. I have always been around track. My dad is a personal trainer who still runs track, and my mom had the opportunity to run D1 in college. I started running in 4th grade and immediately loved racing and the track community. My dad started training me soon after. His form of training is effective, but sometimes embarrassing. As a naturally shy person, doing Russian speed lunges on the weekend in front of my high school peers is a bit stressful. At the start of the indoor track season in my freshman year, I tried out and made the team. Ever since, I've been top of the team for my sprinting ability, but I still struggled at that time to speak up and show confidence. When the blocks slipped during that race that day in May, I finished as hard as I could, but the stumble had cost me my composure, my form, and my race. I learned that I missed out on the regional final and a chance to get to states by 1 place and 0.01 of a second. If you know track, you know the horrible feeling you get after running a bad time or having a bad race, and at that moment, I definitely felt it. When my dad urged me to speak up and ask my coach if I could run the race again because of the faulty blocks, I dismissed the idea. I was too scared to get involved as I didn't know what my coach and the officials would think of me. I thought over the situation that night and gathered up the courage to talk to my coach: it was a two-day meet so I should have been able to run the next day. My coach confirmed that I would have been able to run the race again if I’d said something earlier. It turned out that someone else had experienced the same problem and had run again because they’d spoken up right away. Unfortunately, the window of time when I could have done that had passed. After the conversation, though, I realized that the idea of speaking up can feel intimidating, but is worth doing. Though I had missed out that time, I started to feel more confident in my ability to be my own self-advocate. Now, I apply this important skill to other aspects of my life. For example, two months later, I secured an interview for a job at Chipotle. An interview can be another intimidating conversation, but I stayed confident in myself and my abilities when speaking with the interviewer and ended up getting the job. I was successful because I believed in myself and let go of my doubts and thoughts. Realizing this, when I get back on the starting line next winter, I’ll know the only competition I have is myself.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts made me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I am currently studying in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

"On your marks." I knelt onto my starting blocks. My hands gripped the hard, rubbery surface of the track. My heart was beating fast, and my palms were sweaty. It was the 100m preliminary round of the regional meet in May of my junior year. "Set." I raised my body up in the blocks. "Go!" I reacted to the gun quickly but felt my blocks slipping back as I pushed out of them. I stumbled, panicking. Due to my malfunctioning blocks, I knew I had lost a precious split second in my race, and I felt the field moving ahead of me. I have always been around track. My dad is a personal trainer who still runs track, and my mom had the opportunity to run D1 in college. I started running in 4th grade and immediately loved racing and the track community. My dad started training me soon after. His form of training is effective, but sometimes embarrassing. As a naturally shy person, doing Russian speed lunges on the weekend in front of my high school peers is a bit stressful. At the start of the indoor track season in my freshman year, I tried out and made the team. Ever since, I've been top of the team for my sprinting ability, but I still struggled at that time to speak up and show confidence. When the blocks slipped during that race that day in May, I finished as hard as I could, but the stumble had cost me my composure, my form, and my race. I learned that I missed out on the regional final and a chance to get to states by 1 place and 0.01 of a second. If you know track, you know the horrible feeling you get after running a bad time or having a bad race, and at that moment, I definitely felt it. When my dad urged me to speak up and ask my coach if I could run the race again because of the faulty blocks, I dismissed the idea. I was too scared to get involved as I didn't know what my coach and the officials would think of me. I thought over the situation that night and gathered up the courage to talk to my coach: it was a two-day meet so I should have been able to run the next day. My coach confirmed that I would have been able to run the race again if I’d said something earlier. It turned out that someone else had experienced the same problem and had run again because they’d spoken up right away. Unfortunately, the window of time when I could have done that had passed. After the conversation, though, I realized that the idea of speaking up can feel intimidating, but is worth doing. Though I had missed out that time, I started to feel more confident in my ability to be my own self-advocate. Now, I apply this important skill to other aspects of my life. For example, two months later, I secured an interview for a job at Chipotle. An interview can be another intimidating conversation, but I stayed confident in myself and my abilities when speaking with the interviewer and ended up getting the job. I was successful because I believed in myself and let go of my doubts and thoughts. Realizing this, when I get back on the starting line next winter, I’ll know the only competition I have is myself.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will bring a positive impact to my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to connect with my patients better based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are. They matter the most in life. Being a nurse will allow me to provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives by treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. I intend to participate in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My UMD education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

A confident, knowledgeable pediatric oncology nurse changing the course of my patients' lives for the better and bringing back hope; a strong, fast track athlete with thriving mental and physical health; a true friend with true friends; a wife and mother to a supportive and close family; and a human being continuing to evolve and improve.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7-year-old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission, and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the physical impacts of cancer, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby and was recently found to have celiac disease and EOE, a rare medical condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, being impacted by these medical conditions will positively impact my nursing career. Children’s cancer is also considered a rare disease and can cause uncommon side effects. Many cancers are not well-funded or understood. I’ll be able to better connect with patients based on our shared experiences and be their advocate. As a nurse, I aim to bring greater attention, funding, and care to these rare diseases. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I intend to participate in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This program will allow me to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in four years. My education will provide me with a comprehensive knowledge base, an in-depth nursing education, and opportunities to build upon this knowledge through experiences and interactions. Having a strong education will enable me to make a difference in nursing and explore and create my own impact on the world. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my drive to work hard and make a difference, my passion for knowledge, and my kindness toward others. This scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career, using both my own experiences and the knowledge I gain from higher education.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. They matter the most in life. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout my life, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. During high school, I participated in the APEX program, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

Healthy eating sets your mind and body up for success. When I eat healthy, I feel healthy, both physically and mentally. The physical benefits of healthy eating are enormous. You’re setting yourself up to have a good quality of life, both now and when you’re older. Eating healthy lowers the risk of health issues such as cancer and diabetes and strengthens your immunity and body. In addition, the mental benefits of eating healthy are just as important. When I eat healthy, I feel a difference in my mental capabilities and mood. I’m able to concentrate better, stay more alert, and my mood is lifted. This enables me to maximize my potential in life and achieve my goals to the fullest. In addition, when you set a goal to eat healthy and achieve it, you feel good about yourself. Your confidence and self-esteem are boosted, which improves your mental health. Junk food is also expensive! Getting coffee from Starbucks regularly, or going out to eat every night can get costly. Spending excess money can cause a lot of stress and impact your mental health as well. Purchasing healthy food will also keep your bank account healthy. As a female track athlete, I’ve been exposed to the idea that “lighter means faster.” Although this is true in some respects, many female track athletes have developed serious eating disorders because of this thought. There are a lot of unhealthy relationships between food and body image in the track world. I’ve struggled a little in the past with my relationship with food because of this idea as well but thankfully have never experienced an eating disorder. Because of this, I’ve learned that real healthy eating is making sure to nourish your body with clean and healthy foods. It’s important to address that being underweight or being overweight are both serious issues. However, they can be avoided by eating when you’re hungry, stopping when you’re full, and making sure that you’re eating healthy food the majority of the time. I define healthy eating as eating in moderation. It’s important to eat healthy the majority of the time, but it’s ok to eat unhealthy foods every once in a while. Unhealthy foods are sometimes fun when celebrating a special occasion, or just enjoying the moment. You don’t want to sacrifice your mental health or happiness for turning down a cupcake on a friend’s birthday, or a celebratory doughnut with co-workers. Remembering to prioritize both your mental and physical health will lead to a healthy and happy life. I’ve learned that you’re more likely to do something when you do it more often. This applies to eating habits, in that if you are consistently eating a certain way, you’re more likely to do it. This is a motivating thought that I use to keep my food habits healthy. When you eat healthy for a couple of days, you’re setting yourself up to repeat that behavior, and vice versa. Junk food can be addicting, so avoiding eating it regularly is imperative. Healthy eating ensures that you’re living a healthy lifestyle while enjoying life. Eating in moderation is the key to success, health and happiness.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. COVID has also contributed to my goal to make a positive impact in the medical field. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. They matter the most in life. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. They matter the most in life. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout my life, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. During high school, I participated in the APEX program, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

One book that I've read that has really shaped my goals is The Giver by Lois Lowry. When I read it for the first time, I immediately knew it would be my answer the next time someone asked me about my favorite or most impactful book. I love the dystopian genre, which The Giver embodies. The book is about a 12-year-old boy named Jonas who lives in a dystopian world, called a "community." His community has no pain or suffering, but also no color, music, or emotions. Everyone and everything is the same. While avoiding inequality, unfairness, and surprise at all costs, it also excludes the essence of human life: love. This concept is so interesting to me. It's something I never would've considered, or considered the consequences of, without this book. When Jonas turns 12, he is selected for the job of "Receiver of Memory." He's tasked with receiving all the memories of real life: choices, inequality, and uniqueness, from the Giver. The Giver is an old man who has shouldered the stress and pain of these memories alone his entire life. As Jonas slowly learns the real and raw parts of life hidden from him his whole life, he begins to question everything he's been taught. He knows his society needs to change. With the help of the Giver, he decides to run away to let the memories escape into his community, so his community can understand and treasure the realities and gifts of life. As I read the book, I felt right there alongside Jonas, discovering the things that make life terrible, but beautiful. These things are essential to humanity. The plot is interesting and riveting, but also meaningful. While reading it, I questioned and considered many things about life that I hadn't before. I felt uncomfortable, but in a good way, as it made me consider the real meaning of life and what is important. It opened my eyes to what I take for granted every day. The book touches on all the things buried under the superficial lens we view life with; everything we wouldn't realize we have and love until they're gone. Reading this book allowed me to gain a new perspective on life. This book has strengthened my core values of happiness, health, family and friends, which I prioritize above everything. These simple things are the most important, and were the things Jonas lacked at first. Seeing Jonas’s world without individuality, freedom, and true human connection showed me the importance of embracing each person and their unique qualities that provide meaning and excitement to life. If everyone was the same, we would lose our humanity and spark for exploring and growing. Reading this book has reinforced my appreciation of my loved ones and the different things they contribute to the world. I've also come to understand the success and happiness I've gained from human connection and different life experiences. Throughout his journey with The Giver, Jonas was able to learn this same lesson. This book has contributed to my career goal of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse. Nursing is a job where I’ll be able to better provide and enhance my core values in countless peoples’ lives. I intend to participate in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park starting this fall. This path will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. This book has made me even more excited to make a positive impact on the world and others, and I’m eager for this next step.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about cancer and its physical effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Having allergies and anxiety has caused obstacles in my everyday life. Making friends and forming good relationships is often impeded by my food limitations, as food is something everyone bonds over. This coupled with my social anxiety can form relationship barriers between me and others. Something as simple as getting pizza with friends, or taking an extra doughnut offered by a friendly coworker can be stressful. In addition, meeting new people in different environments, including work, school or sports can cause anxiety. However, positive social interactions and relationships are important to me, and I’ve achieved and improved them throughout the years. I’ve learned that the best way to cope with my physical and emotional disabilities is to accept myself and be comfortable with who I am. This has helped me with uncomfortable situations where I’d previously be disappointed with myself or anxious about little things. Another way I’ve improved socially is just by practicing. I’ve gotten more comfortable with talking and connecting with others through experiencing varying social settings. I’ve also come up with kind ways to decline food, or jokes to make light out of difficult situations with my allergies. These strategies have allowed me to enjoy new experiences and expand my social network. Last summer, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals this past year. I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I plan to participate in the Admission Pathway for Nursing at the University of Maryland, College Park, which will streamline my progression from UMD to the University of Maryland School of Nursing after two years. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in science, pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout my life, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. During high school, I participated in the APEX program, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. One of my goals as a nurse is to relate to and help patients through the anxiety and uncertainty that medical treatments and procedures can provoke. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand and relate to many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. They matter the most in life. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout my life, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. During high school, I participated in the APEX program, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I want to make a positive impact on the world and others through my work as a nurse. I feel strongly about making a difference and helping to change and improve treatments, but more importantly, making patients feel comfortable and safe. Knowing that I will be participating in a profession that can change the course of peoples’ lives and bring back hope is of great importance to me.

The freedom that college brings excites me the most. College is a chance to create my own life and control my decisions and actions, without the constant supervision of adults. I'll be able to personalize everything, from the classes I take, to the routines I form, and to the friends I make. I'm excited to be exposed to a wide range of people, ideas and opportunities to explore. Having a newfound sense of independence and control of self is exciting and motivational as I enter this new chapter in life. In addition, college is a safe environment that contains people to lean on, including friends, faculty, and my family at home, that I know will always support me if needed. If I'm having trouble physically or emotionally, I have a wide array of resources I can go to for help. I will be attending the University of Maryland, College Park as a freshman this fall, which is a huge school with a great number of opportunities and people. This may be a little overwhelming at first. To ensure I don't get lost in the crowd of activity, I plan to join clubs that interest me, attend new student events, and be open to new experiences. These activities will enable me to get accustomed and comfortable at the school, make new friends and have meaningful and exciting college experiences. Once the school year starts, I'll immediately begin putting my best effort into my classes. This will ensure that my grades are kept high and that I'm not stressed with cramming for tests or assignments. As I settle into my routine, I'll make sure to exercise every day to keep up my level of both physical and mental fitness. Working out always puts me in a positive mood. In addition, I will keep in close contact with my family, who will boost my confidence and attitude through the college acclimation process. Throughout this busy time, I'll always make sure to take time for myself to relax and recharge my mind and body. I feel that this is the most important thing to intentionally set aside time for. My college schedule is sure to be packed with activity, so I need to make sure to reset and reassess my activities and priorities. This will guarantee that I'm getting the most out of my college experience while also keeping my mind, body, and soul healthy and happy.

"On your marks." I knelt onto my starting blocks. My hands gripped the hard, rubbery surface of the track. My heart was beating fast, and my palms were sweaty. It was the 100m preliminary round of the regional meet in May of my junior year. "Set." I raised my body up in the blocks. "Go!" I reacted to the gun quickly but felt my blocks slipping back as I pushed out of them. I stumbled, panicking. Due to my malfunctioning blocks, I knew I had lost a precious split second in my race, and I felt the field moving ahead of me. I have always been around track. My dad is a personal trainer who still runs track, and my mom had the opportunity to run D1 in college. I started running in 4th grade and immediately loved racing and the track community. My dad started training me soon after. His form of training is effective, but sometimes embarrassing. As a naturally shy person, doing Russian speed lunges on the weekend in front of my high school peers is a bit stressful. At the start of the indoor track season my freshman year, I tried out and made the team. Ever since, I've been top of the team for my sprinting ability, but I still struggled at that time to speak up and show confidence. When the blocks slipped during that race that day in May, I finished as hard as I could, but the stumble had cost me my composure, my form, and my race. I learned that I missed out on the regional final and a chance to get to states by 1 place and 0.01 of a second. If you know track, you know the horrible feeling you get after running a bad time or having a bad race, and at that moment, I definitely felt it. When my dad urged me to speak up and ask my coach if I could run the race again because of the faulty blocks, I dismissed the idea. I was too scared to get involved as I didn't know what my coach and the officials would think of me. I thought over the situation that night and gathered up the courage to talk to my coach: It was a two-day meet so I should have been able to run the next day. My coach confirmed that I would have been able to run the race again if I’d said something earlier. It turned out that someone else had experienced the same problem and had run again because they’d spoken up right away. Unfortunately, the window of time when I could have done that had passed. After the conversation, though, I realized that the idea of speaking up can feel intimidating, but is worth doing. Though I had missed out that time, I started to feel more confident in my ability to be my own self-advocate. Now, I apply this important skill to other aspects of my life. For example, two months later, I secured an interview for a job at Chipotle. An interview can be another intimidating conversation, but I stayed confident in myself and my abilities when speaking with the interviewer and ended up getting the job. I was successful because I believed in myself and let go of my doubts and thoughts. Realizing this, when I get back on the starting line next winter, I’ll know the only competition I have is myself.

Everyone should read the book The Giver by Lois Lowry. When I read it for the first time, I immediately knew it would be my answer the next time someone asked me about my favorite book. I'd never had a concrete "favorite book" answer before, so this was big! I love the dystopian genre, which The Giver embodies. The book is about a 12-year-old boy named Jonas who lives in a dystopian world, called a "community." His community has no pain or suffering, but also no color, music, or emotions. Everyone and everything is the same. While desparately avoiding inequality, unfairness, and surprise, it also excludes the essence of human life: love. This concept is so interesting to me. It's something I never would've considered, or considered the consequences of, without this book. When Jonas turns 12, he is selected for the job of "Receiver of Memory." He's tasked with receiving all the memories of real life: choices, inequality, and uniqueness, from the Giver. The Giver is an old man who has shouldered the stress and pain of these memories alone his entire life. As Jonas slowly learns the real and raw parts of life hidden from him his whole life, he begins to question everything he's been taught. He knows his society needs to change. With the help of the Giver, he decides to run away to let the memories escape into his community, so his community can understand and treasure the realities and gifts of life. As I read the book, I felt right there alongside Jonas, discovering the things that make life terrible, but beautiful. These things are essential to humanity. The plot is interesting and riveting, but also meaningful. While reading it, I questioned and considered many things about life that I hadn't before. I felt uncomfortable, but in a good way, as it made me consider the real meaning of life and what is important. It opened my eyes to what I take for granted every day. The book touches on all the things buried under the superficial lens we view life with; everything we wouldn't realize we have and love until they're gone. I believe everyone should read this book to gain a new perspective on life.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in science, nursing and pediatric oncology was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty, and I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty, and I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life with him on the sidelines. Seeing the drastic impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, arrives, it changes everything so fast. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this as a nurse. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying what I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I'm excited to make a positive impact on the world through my work in the medical field. I feel strongly about making a difference by changing and improving treatments, but more importantly, making patients feel comfortable and safe. In addition, I value health, happiness, friends and family above all. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives. Knowing that I will be participating in a profession that changes the course of peoples’ lives and brings back hope is of great importance to me.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty, and I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty, and I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, for which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty, and I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. They matter the most in life. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty, and I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals for. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty, and I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals for. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology and nursing was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. As someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty, and I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it's enabled me to understand many medical conditions and the emotions coming with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was active, involved in many different projects, and excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching his friends experience life, get married and start new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. During the summer of 2022, I volunteered at CAO Montgomery Orthopaedics, a physical therapy facility. This experience was impactful. I gained insight into patient-doctor relationships and interactions, as well as different medical and emotional needs. I was also co-president of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (a school club) this past year. Throughout the year, I taught others about career opportunities in the health field and competed in health-related events. My event was Clinical Nursing, which I placed 2nd in states and made nationals for. Both these experiences inspired me, taught me a lot about the medical field and expanded my leadership skills. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in many extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

When I discovered Instagram accounts of families that were battling childhood cancer and started following their journeys, my interest in pediatric oncology was sparked. These families and kids gave the field a personal and meaningful feel to me. One of the first accounts I discovered was @teamabri, which documented the cancer journey of Abri, a 7 year old girl that was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. I followed her through her amputation, her many years in remission and her current struggle with cancer side effects. These accounts make me feel very connected to the field. They made me realize that I wanted to be a part of it, specifically as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of cancer, treatments and side effects, but also the mental and emotional side effects. These have a huge impact on patients and families. Being someone that has anxiety, I know how important mental health is. Medical treatments and procedures in general can provoke lots of anxiety and uncertainty as well. I can relate to patients in this way. In addition, I’ve been allergic to eggs and nuts since I was a baby, and I was recently tested and found to have celiac disease. Though it’s a struggle sometimes, it has caused me to be able to understand a lot of the conditions in the medical field and the emotions that come with them. The research and medical personnel that made this discovery possible are amazing, and I want to follow their path and do something similar. Though I’ve never personally experienced cancer, I’ve been impacted by it, as many of my family members have. I’ve seen the drastic difference it can make in people’s lives. My cousin is currently fighting cancer. Before he was diagnosed, he was just out of college. He was active, involved in many different projects and organizations and was excited to start his new career and life. Now, he’s stuck at home, watching all of his friends experiencing life, getting married and starting new jobs with him on the sidelines. Seeing the impact it has firsthand has personally impacted me and has strengthened my desire to work in the field. Once cancer, or any medical condition, arrives, it changes everything so fast. COVID has contributed to my intended career path as well. I’ve started to value health, happiness, friends and family above all, as I’ve realized how important they are to me. They matter the most in life. Being a nurse will allow me to better provide and enhance these things in countless people’s lives through my work in treating diseases and conditions. I would love to make an impact like that. Nursing can be challenging, and I invite challenges into my life. Throughout high school, I’ve loved being busy, involved and working hard to accomplish goals, and I want to continue this in my nursing career. I participated in the APEX program at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. I was also involved in a lot of extracurriculars and clubs. I was able to balance everything and be successful while enjoying everything I was doing. As a nurse, I’ll thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. I’ve always been interested in the medical field overall and have enjoyed researching different conditions, but have now zeroed in on pediatric oncology. I love the idea of making a personal connection with patients, especially kids. I'm excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive impact on the world.

From the moment I first heard the Sorting Hat sing its song, I knew I was 100% a Ravenclaw. As a Ravenclaw, I value cleverness, knowledge, and a strong mind, not only in school but in life itself. I am very dedicated to schoolwork, and my grades are of great importance to me as I pursue my journey to becoming a nurse. Throughout high school, I was involved in APEX at my school, a selective program with rigorous classes for a small cohort of students. Working with my APEX peers was similar to the atmosphere among Ravenclaw students: grades and academic success were a top priority. My value of academics stems from my high aspirations and goals. I know doing well academically both demonstrates the value of hard work in the classroom and allows for future success outside of the classroom. All dreams are possible through motivation and persistence, and I first found that to be true through my work in school. Similar to Ravenclaw, I know the importance of having a strong mind and how it translates to having a strong body. I'm also a track and field athlete, focusing primarily on sprints and jumps. I've learned how much focus, will and dedication pays off through my improvements in the sport. From my freshman to my senior year, I improved my 200m time by almost 3 seconds (which is a lot for sprints!). I achieved this with COVID interrupting almost half of my high school track seasons. I kept my mind and body strong through this adversity by setting goals and working hard to achieve them, and came back to have a great senior season. Ravenclaw's belief in the ability to problem solve and think intelligently is one of my top priorities as well. In the medical field, this is crucial to making a positive impact on patients and the world. As an aspiring nurse, quick thinking is critical to ensure that patients are getting the best care possible, both physically and emotionally. As I start college this fall, I aim to learn both the soft skills and hard skills needed to become the best nurse possible. I firmly believe that the comprehensive knowledge I gain is power and will give me the tools I need to succeed in life. As a Ravenclaw, I'm excited about college and all that I will learn through my path to becoming a nurse. I feel strongly about making a difference and helping to change and improve treatments in the medical field. Knowing that I will be participating in a profession that can change the course of peoples’ lives and bring back hope is of great importance to me. Throughout life, I will always keep my Ravenclaw strengths close to my heart. Motivation, persistence, and wisdom are key to success.