Rugby taught me that you can find a family and community in something you may have just started. It takes passion, courage, and trust to commit to something new. As a woman in rugby, I am breaking stereotypes daily, whether that is being in a male-dominated sport, being too weak, or "not being feminine enough". This is what pushed and motivated me so strongly to join a rugby team. I loved doing what women aren't typically thought of doing. Being different is always something that has inspired me to not be like everyone else because it made me feel so much more special. The fact that I can say I play rugby while also doing multiple other "feminine" hobbies, such as modeling and Farmington ambassadors (similar to a pageant), makes me feel more capable than ever, surprising anyone who finds out I play rugby. Many times, when it is mentioned that I play rugby, they know someone else who plays, or they themselves have played. I love how in such a big world, I can make a connection about something so small that many people can't relate to. That is family, being able to connect on such a deep level about something so rare. Having a rugby family that is all experiencing similar things and breaking the same stereotypes allows us to connect on a different level. To me, a rugby family also means pushing each other to do our best, supporting each other on and off the field, and having a sense of belonging. When I originally joined rugby, I knew no one and nothing about the sport, but as soon as I walked into the first practice, I was instantly drawn in by a player. This showed me instantly the type of community rugby it was. Growing up, I had always struggled to find my crowd in sports, and within a minute of being at this practice, I knew this would be it. From then on, I was dedicated to this sport with the community, and breaking stereotypes as my driving factor. While we are a growing sport, there are still so few women rugby players. This shows how much we need to stick together. In college, I am planning to play rugby at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire this fall while studying nursing. I chose Eau Claire because they value the feeling of family. I wanted a place that made me feel like I belonged, and Eau Claire is just that. I have seen so much of what I valued about my high school team in Eau Claire's rugby team. They value their players, have a great staff, care about their players' education, and make you feel seen as a person, not just a player. I feel the same way about the Twin Cities Gemini team. I would ultimately love to play for them to continue my passion for rugby.

'You’re going to die, you know." Those were the words that came from my five-year-old mouth as I held my grandfather's hand near the end of his cancer battle. At that age, death wasn’t something I understood — it was just a phrase everyone kept telling me to try and prepare my small mind for what was to come. My firsthand experiences showed me how illness can change the course of a person's life. Recognizing how a caregiver can provide comfort during the healing process is important. Watching these providers showed me the importance of patience, empathy, and communication. My work experience at a senior living center has shown me that people deserve to live with dignity and grace despite end-of-life challenges. Unlike the older population I've worked with most recently, I want to work with pediatric oncology patients. The people they become can be shaped by the small efforts they witness from others. I want to be that person for them. The experiences I've witnessed with my family, friends, and my own care have led me to become a deeply personal nurse. The healthcare pathway I pursued during my junior year further confirmed my decision. Every unit we studied was genuinely exciting and interesting, solidifying that nursing was my passion and purpose. To me, Nursing is more than a job, but a chance to impact people's lives in the hardest times they may ever experience. I want to inspire my patients and give them hope. This goes even further than the patients, but providing hope and support for the families as well. I know that through me, they will be getting the best care they can, by someone who truly has a passion for this career. I would describe myself as someone who is very emotionally intelligent, and that's why I feel as though I am fit for this career. I believe that emotional care is just as crucial as physical care. While I may not have been through whatever my patient is going through, my emotional intelligence allows me to feel what they feel, allowing me to understand their situation better. My passion to continue learning will hopefully extend to a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia. As a CRNA, while they are under anesthesia, I am my patients' voice and advocate. This is so special to me because it requires my patients' trust and provides me with a type of advocacy and support that many nurses may not experience.