As I enter my final year of nursing school, I reflect on my experiences and how I have grown as an individual. The effects of the global pandemic, overcoming obstacles, and increasing my exposure to new opportunities have had a positive impact on my development and career goals. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research, community, and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing has always been a passion of mine because I want to be part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Learning about different populations, research methods, and alternative ways to serve others enabled me to test my limits and progress in ways beyond the classroom. I understand that my education should broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures and disparities in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities where I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut-in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients am lucky to serve. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I believe I am receiving the best education possible here at the Rutgers School of Nursing. Since then, my life has been dedicated to serving others. Whether it be through volunteerism in my grade school years or through my Nursing school journey, service is a passion of mine. From a young age, I have been an avid volunteer always drawn toward service and collaboration. While my service was limited to my immediate community, when I entered college I sought to continue to serve by enrolling in nursing school and joining organizations that would enable me to help others in addition to exposing myself to diversity. It is important to step outside of my comfort zone and area codes to enter new spaces and gain insight from those different from myself. My involvement in service-based organizations has increased my love for the Nursing field and positively influenced my engagement. My desire to gain knowledge about addressing health inequities, public and community health, and policy to create a better future will serve as my driving force as I enter my final year. I know my experiences and dedication to service will make me a better practitioner and individual. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow. After graduation, I plan to obtain an MSN and begin my career in a diverse, urban setting. I also hope to become a mentor and establish a blog about health and wellness.

As I enter my final year of nursing school, I reflect on my experiences and how I have grown as an individual. The effects of the global pandemic, overcoming obstacles, and increasing my exposure to new opportunities have had a positive impact on my development and career goals. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research, community, and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing has always been a passion of mine because I want to be part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Learning about different populations, research methods, and alternative ways to serve others enabled me to test my limits and progress in ways beyond the classroom. I understand that my education should broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures and disparities in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities where I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut-in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients am lucky to serve. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I believe I am receiving the best education possible here at the Rutgers School of Nursing. Since then, my life has been dedicated to serving others. Whether it be through volunteerism in my grade school years or through my Nursing school journey, service is a passion of mine. From a young age, I have been an avid volunteer always drawn toward service and collaboration. While my service was limited to my immediate community, when I entered college I sought to continue to serve by enrolling in nursing school and joining organizations that would enable me to help others in addition to exposing myself to diversity. It is important to step outside of my comfort zone and area codes to enter new spaces and gain insight from those different from myself. My involvement in service-based organizations has increased my love for the Nursing field and positively influenced my engagement. My desire to gain knowledge about addressing health inequities, public and community health, and policy to create a better future will serve as my driving force as I enter my final year. I know my experiences and dedication to service will make me a better practitioner and individual. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow. After graduation, I plan to obtain an MSN and begin my career in a diverse, urban setting. I also hope to become a mentor and establish a blog about health and wellness.

As I enter my final year of nursing school, I reflect on my experiences and how I have grown as an individual. The effects of the global pandemic, overcoming obstacles, and increasing my exposure to new opportunities have had a positive impact on my development and career goals. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research, community, and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing has always been a passion of mine because I want to be part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Learning about different populations, research methods, and alternative ways to serve others enabled me to test my limits and progress in ways beyond the classroom. I understand that my education should broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures and disparities in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities where I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut-in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients am lucky to serve. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I believe I am receiving the best education possible here at the Rutgers School of Nursing. Since then, my life has been dedicated to serving others. Whether it be through volunteerism in my grade school years or through my Nursing school journey, service is a passion of mine. From a young age, I have been an avid volunteer always drawn toward service and collaboration. While my service was limited to my immediate community, when I entered college I sought to continue to serve by enrolling in nursing school and joining organizations that would enable me to help others in addition to exposing myself to diversity. It is important to step outside of my comfort zone and area codes to enter new spaces and gain insight from those different from myself. My involvement in service-based organizations has increased my love for the Nursing field and positively influenced my engagement. My desire to gain knowledge about addressing health inequities, public and community health, and policy to create a better future will serve as my driving force as I enter my final year. I know my experiences and dedication to service will make me a better practitioner and individual. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow. After graduation, I plan to obtain an MSN and begin my career in a diverse, urban setting. I also hope to become a mentor and establish a blog about health and wellness.

As I enter my final year of nursing school, I reflect on my experiences and how I have grown as an individual. The effects of the global pandemic, overcoming obstacles, and increasing my exposure to new opportunities have had a positive impact on my development and career goals. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research, community, and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing has always been a passion of mine because I want to be part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Learning about different populations, research methods, and alternative ways to serve others enabled me to test my limits and progress in ways beyond the classroom. I understand that my education should broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures and disparities in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities where I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut-in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients am lucky to serve. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I believe I am receiving the best education possible here at the Rutgers School of Nursing. Since then, my life has been dedicated to serving others. Whether it be through volunteerism in my grade school years or through my Nursing school journey, service is a passion of mine. From a young age, I have been an avid volunteer always drawn toward service and collaboration. While my service was limited to my immediate community, when I entered college I sought to continue to serve by enrolling in nursing school and joining organizations that would enable me to help others in addition to exposing myself to diversity. It is important to step outside of my comfort zone and area codes to enter new spaces and gain insight from those different from myself. My involvement in service-based organizations has increased my love for the Nursing field and positively influenced my engagement. My desire to gain knowledge about addressing health inequities, public and community health, and policy to create a better future will serve as my driving force as I enter my final year. I know my experiences and dedication to service will make me a better practitioner and individual. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow. After graduation, I plan to obtain an MSN and begin my career in a diverse, urban setting. I also hope to become a mentor and establish a blog about health and wellness.

As I enter my final year of nursing school, I reflect on my experiences and how I have grown as an individual. The effects of the global pandemic, overcoming obstacles, and increasing my exposure to new opportunities have had a positive impact on my development and career goals. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research, community, and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing has always been a passion of mine because I want to be part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Learning about different populations, research methods, and alternative ways to serve others enabled me to test my limits and progress in ways beyond the classroom. I understand that my education should broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures and disparities in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities in which I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients I am lucky to serve. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I believe I am receiving the best education possible here at the Rutgers School of Nursing. Since then, my life has been dedicated to serving others. Whether it be through volunteerism in my grade school years or through my Nursing school journey, service is a passion of mine. From a young age, I have been an avid volunteer always drawn toward service and collaboration. While my service was limited to my immediate community, when I entered college I sought to continue to serve by enrolling in nursing school and joining organizations that would enable me to help others in addition to exposing myself to diversity. It is important to step outside of my comfort zone and area codes to enter new spaces and gain insight from those different from myself. My involvement in service-based organizations has increased my love for the Nursing field and positively influenced my engagement. My desire to gain knowledge about addressing health inequities, public and community health, and policy to create a better future will serve as my driving force as I enter my final year. I know my experiences and dedication to service will make me a better practitioner and individual. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow. After graduation, I plan to obtain an MSN and begin my career in a diverse, urban setting. I also hope to become a mentor and establish a blog about health and wellness.

As I enter my final year of nursing school, I reflect on my experiences and how I have grown as an individual. The effects of the global pandemic, overcoming obstacles, and increasing my exposure to new opportunities have had a positive impact on my development and career goals. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research, community, and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing has always been a passion of mine because I want to be part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Learning about different populations, research methods, and alternative ways to serve others enabled me to test my limits and progress in ways beyond the classroom. I understand that my education should broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures and disparities in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities in which I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients I am lucky to serve. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I believe I am receiving the best education possible here at the Rutgers School of Nursing. My whole life has been dedicated to serving others. Whether it be through volunteerism in my grade school years or through my Nursing school journey, service is a passion of mine. From a young age, I have been an avid volunteer always drawn toward service and collaboration. While my service was limited to my immediate community, when I entered college I sought to continue to serve by enrolling in nursing school and joining organizations that would enable me to help others in addition to exposing myself to diversity. It is important to step outside of my comfort zone and area codes to enter new spaces and gain insight from those different from myself. My involvement in service-based organizations has increased my love for the Nursing field and positively influenced my engagement. My desire to gain knowledge about addressing health inequities, public and community health, and policy to create a better future will serve as my driving force as I enter my final year. I know my experiences and dedication to service will make me a better practitioner and individual. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow. After graduation, I plan to obtain an MSN and begin my career in a diverse, urban setting. I also hope to become a mentor and establish a blog about health and wellness.

As I enter my final year of nursing school, I reflect on my experiences and how I have grown as an individual. The effects of the global pandemic, overcoming obstacles, and increasing my exposure to new opportunities have had a positive impact on my development and career goals. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research, community, and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing has always been a passion of mine because I want to be part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Learning about different populations, research methods, and alternative ways to serve others enabled me to test my limits and progress in ways beyond the classroom. I understand that my education should broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures and disparities in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities in which I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients I am lucky to serve. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I believe I am receiving the best education possible here at the Rutgers School of Nursing. My whole life has been dedicated to serving others. Whether it be through volunteerism in my grade school years or through my Nursing school journey, service is a passion of mine. From a young age, I have been an avid volunteer always drawn toward service and collaboration. While my service was limited to my immediate community, when I entered college I sought to continue to serve by enrolling in nursing school and joining organizations that would enable me to help others in addition to exposing myself to diversity. It is important to step outside of my comfort zone and area codes to enter new spaces and gain insight from those different from myself. My involvement in service-based organizations has increased my love for the Nursing field and positively influenced my engagement. My desire to gain knowledge about addressing health inequities, public and community health, and policy to create a better future will serve as my driving force as I enter my final year. I know my experiences and dedication to service will make me a better practitioner and individual. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow. After graduation, I plan to obtain an MSN and begin my career in a diverse, urban setting. I also hope to become a mentor and establish a blog about health and wellness.

As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research, community, and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing has always been a passion of mine because I want to be part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. As I progress throughout Nursing School, I plan to uncover and write about these issues and find ways to improve them. As a student, I love to learn about the intricacies of different populations which is why I’m also a sociology minor. I understand that my educational experience should broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures and disparities in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities in which I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut-in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients I am lucky to serve. My whole life has been dedicated to serving others. Whether it be through volunteerism in my grade school years or through my Nursing school journey, service is a passion of mine. I appreciate any opportunity that I have to gain knowledge about addressing health inequities, public and community health, and policy to create a better future. As a 3rd year Nursing student, part of our curriculum entails partaking in a "clinical" which is a weekly routine in which we have the opportunity to work in the hospitals. During my time in the hospital, I truly enjoyed not only learning new skills but also learning about different cultures and customs that patients have. It is a very rewarding experience and gives me a chance to apply my in-class knowledge to real-life situations. When I encounter someone that has a different perspective or identity than me, I welcome it as I am committed to creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments. It's evident that although the healthcare industry continues to be an integral part of American livelihood, not everyone receives the same standards of care, especially marginalized groups. This primarily derives from my experience as one of a few Black nursing students but also from learning about different cultures and populations. Speaking with people different from myself enables me to gain a new perspective as I strive to become a more knowledgeable and culturally-conscious individual who will be working in the Nursing field. My experiences thus far have made me a better person and given me a sense of purpose and I want nothing more than to continue to serve through Nursing. As an African American and future Registered Nurse, I want to one day mentor young people and share my experiences while setting a positive example as a minority in an advanced field. I also plan to obtain an MSN after I graduate. While I am an active student with over a cumulative 3.6 GPA, I do not receive any aid from my University and appreciate the opportunity to express myself and reflect on my merit. I will continue to work hard, advocate, and learn to create a bright future and assist others. Thank you for this opportunity and for your commitment to helping Black students in medicine achieve success while decreasing financial burdens.

Personal and academic growth, as well as a strong work ethic are virtues that my parents have continually instilled in me and helped shape me into the young African-American woman I am today, but the lesson that has impacted me the most is my commitment to service. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I believe I am receiving the best education possible here at the Rutgers School of Nursing. As a future Nurse, my goal is to provide care to as many patients as possible as well as to help advance the field of Nursing with long-term solutions to health care problems. The COVID-19 Pandemic will forever be a part of my college experience. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing at the midstream and upstream levels has always been a passion of mine because I want to be a part of the solution to long-term and persisting problems in healthcare. Part of why the pandemic is still ongoing is because of issues stemming from the healthcare industry and how healthcare is distributed. As I progress throughout Nursing School as an honors programs student, I plan to uncover and write about these issues and find ways to improve them. As a student, I love to learn about the intricacies of different populations which is why I’m also a sociology minor. Our many different cultures in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. I believe that advocating for proper representation and communicating with others that are different from myself is the best way to learn more about cultures and advance the Nursing field. As a rising junior, I was just awarded a position in the Presidential Cabinet of the School of Nursing Student Senate. After serving as the Community Outreach co-chair, next year I will serve as the University Senator and look forward to representing the school of Nursing. In addition, I will be working as a Peer Tutor within the Office of Academic Success. Being involved in student organizations has been a very fulfilling experience and I look forward to continuing my involvement and meeting new people. II appreciate this opportunity and am grateful to showcase my work.

As a college sophomore, my biggest obstacle to my academic success has been the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although my University’s response was out of my control, learning through online courses, not being able to communicate as easily with peers and faculty, and contending with feelings of hopelessness, apathy, and boredom have all impacted my academic experience. I am an extrovert and work best when in the presence of others in an effort to be able to learn with and form each other. The COVID-19 Pandemic has also placed a heavy financial burden on my family and I. Like my parents, I wish to graduate from college while avoiding debt from student loans by applying to as many scholarships as possible as well as seeking employment. I recognize the value of money as did my parents and I want to receive the best education possible at the lowest cost. I know this scholarship will assist me in easing my financial burdens for this upcoming school year. In many ways, the Pandemic allowed me to solidify my career goals. Learning and advocating for healthy practices in communities has been an important aspect of the pandemic. As a future Nurse, my goal is to provide care to as many patients as possible as well as to help advance the field of Nursing with long-term solutions to health care problems. The COVID-19 Pandemic will forever be apart of my college experience. Before deciding to apply to Nursing school, I always knew that I wanted to explore the many occupational paths within the field. Contrary to popular belief, there is so much more to the Nursing field than what meets the eye. While it is typically thought that Nurses work solely in hospitals by a patient’s bedside, increased educational opportunities have made it possible for Nurses to broaden their horizons outside of this traditional setting. Nurses today are researchers finding long-term solutions to problems in healthcare, public health advocates promoting health competency in communities, informatics specialists applying their computer science skills to improve patient care, and educators teaching and advising future Nurses like myself to be the best we can be. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing at the midstream and upstream levels has always been a passion of mine because I want to be apart of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Part of why the pandemic is still at a climax is because of issues stemming from the healthcare industry and how healthcare is distributed. As I progress throughout Nursing School, I plan to uncover and write about these issues and find ways to improve them. In addition to solidifying my career path, the pandemic has taught me to be more versatile, tech-savvy, vulnerable, and optimistic because life is truly unpredictable and I have to always adapt. As a student, I love to learn about the intricacies of different populations which is why I’m also a sociology minor. I understand that my educational experience has to broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. I want to become involved in Nursing at the public health level to become part of the solution. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities in which I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut-in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population like that of New York City would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients I am lucky to serve. My experiences thus far have made me a better person and given me a sense of purpose; I want nothing more than to continue serving diverse, underrepresented communities in urban areas through Nursing. As an African American and future Nurse, I want to one day mentor young people and share my experiences while setting a positive example as a minority in an advanced field. I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a reputable nursing program here at Rutgers University. I also plan to obtain an MSN after I graduate.

As a college sophomore, my biggest obstacle to my academic success has been the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although my University’s response was out of my control, learning through online courses, not being able to communicate as easily with peers and faculty, and contending with feelings of hopelessness, apathy, and boredom have all impacted my academic experience. I am an extrovert and work best when in the presence of others in an effort to be able to learn with and form each other. The COVID-19 Pandemic has also placed a heavy financial burden on my family and I. While some difficulties still persist, I have been able to persevere with the support and guidance from my family and friends. Personal and academic growth, as well as a strong work ethic are virtues that my parents have continually instilled in me and helped shape me into the young African-American woman I am today, but the lesson that has impacted me the most is my commitment to service. The will to serve came to me at age five when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the middle of the night, she had an exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. This was the first time I felt helpless as I realized that my family could not fix this situation on our own; it would take the work of others to help us all get through. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and I know I am receiving the best education possible at the Rutgers School of Nursing. As a future Nurse, my goal is to provide care to as many patients as possible as well as to help advance the field of Nursing with long-term solutions to health care problems. Contrary to popular belief, there is so much more to the Nursing field than what meets the eye. While it is typically thought that Nurses work solely in hospitals by a patient’s bedside, increased educational opportunities have made it possible for Nurses to broaden their horizons outside of this traditional setting. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing at the midstream and upstream levels has always been a passion of mine because I want to be a part of the solution to long-term and persisting problems in healthcare. Part of why the pandemic is still ongoing is because of issues stemming from the healthcare industry and how healthcare is distributed. As I progress throughout Nursing School as an honors programs student, I plan to uncover and write about these issues and find ways to improve them. As a student, I love to learn about the intricacies of different populations which is why I’m also a sociology minor. Our many different cultures in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. I believe that advocating for proper representation and communicating with others that are different from myself is the best way to learn more about cultures and advance the Nursing field. As a rising junior, I was just awarded a position in the Presidential Cabinet of the School of Nursing Student Senate. After serving as the Community Outreach co-chair, next year I will serve as the University Senator and look forward to representing the school of Nursing. As a future Registered Nurse, I plan to help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities in which I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population like that of New York City would be the best career for myself and create a great impact on both myself and the patients I am lucky to serve. I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a reputable nursing program here at Rutgers University. Once I earn my BSN in Nursing I plan to obtain an MSN. My experiences thus far have made me a better person and given me a sense of purpose; I want nothing more than to continue serving diverse, underrepresented communities in urban areas through Nursing.

One of the greatest obstacles that occurred in my life occurred at a young age. When I was seven years old, my mother suffered a Multiple Sclerosis exacerbation which left her immobile and hospitalized for weeks. It was the first time I had experienced helplessness as I realized that my family couldn’t solve this problem on our own; it would take the work of caring, trained professionals to help us get through. I also began to develop a new love for For almost a year my family alongside trained Physicians and Nurses nursed my mother back to health. Through hard work and perseverance, my mother and my family got through a difficult time that I will never forget. This experience has not only helped shape me into the person I am today but has also inspired me to serve others. Since that time, I have admired the role of Nurses and how they provide the one-on-one services necessary to get patients through the most difficult times in health care. That experience influenced my decision to enter college as a Nursing Major and to become a follower of Jesus. Almost immediately after this incident, my family and I joined Bethany Baptist Church in Newark to become more involved in our faith. Once I became a teenager, I decided to become an active member of two of Bethany’s most prominent youth organizations: The Junior Missionaries and The Girls Rites of Passage. Though the two clubs require different types of service, they are both committed to strengthening and providing aid to the Greater Newark community while helping to build my morals and self-esteem. As a Junior Missionary, I dedicate my time to helping the sick and shut-in elderly residents of a nursing home in Newark. Every fourth Sunday from October through May, I along with the other youth members, travel from our church to the New Community Extended Care nursing home where we read to the elderly residents from the bible, sing them hymnals, and engage them in hopeful and lively conversations. As Vice-President of the Junior Missionaries, I also create the program for the day based on the theme for that month which is provided by our Advisor. My god-given gift to care for others is what had inspired me to apply for an internship at Hackensack-Meridian Health Hospital in Glen Ridge, NJ last year. I assist patients every week by providing them with water, transporting them, and giving them someone to talk to during their recovery. This volunteer position allows me to truly see the impact of my service through the eyes of the hospital patients and closely observe the work of the physicians, nurses, and other personnel. I’m so thankful for this amazing opportunity to volunteer in a place that provides me with exposure to the field of medicine while continuing to allow me to serve others. I can recall the time I met a child and noticed how anxious and sad she was as she was refusing to go to her first chemotherapy treatment. In an effort to ease her anxiety, I decided to read her a book and she immediately stopped crying and began to read with me. This helped relieve her and her parent's anxiety and made her more confident to receive her first treatment. Now, she viewed chemotherapy as a path to getting better so that she could continue to read. Although the trauma of my mother’s illness was painful to watch and experience, it has made me a better person and given me a sense of purpose. I am now committed to following my faith through serving others from all walks of life and have benefited greatly from my experiences. With over 300 hours of dedicated community service, the real takeaway for me is to make a difference through service whether it be through my church, in my town, or at my local hospital. Community service and my love of God will always be a part of my life.

Personal and academic growth, as well as a strong work ethic are virtues that my parents have continually instilled in me and helped shape me into the young African-American woman I am today, but the lesson that has impacted me the most is my ability to overcome obstacles. As a college sophomore, my biggest obstacle to my academic success has been the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although my University’s response was out of my control, learning through online courses, not being able to communicate as easily with peers and faculty, and contending with feelings of hopelessness, apathy, and boredom have all impacted my academic experience. I am an extrovert and work best when in the presence of others in an effort to be able to learn with and form each other. The COVID-19 Pandemic has also placed a heavy financial burden on my family and I. From a very young age, my parents have been preparing me for college and adulthood. They have shared their own college experiences with me and have prepped me for the financial realities of a college education. My parents have made it clear that for me to attend an expensive school, I would have to earn a significant portion of the tuition by not only working hard academically in High School but also by obtaining several scholarships. Between the cost of living and rising education costs, my parents have made me aware of how hefty tuition can be even for a family making a decent income. My father has taught me that as a freelancer, his income is too inconsistent to solely rely on and so I have to be prepared to take on my financial responsibilities. Like my parents, I wish to graduate from college while avoiding debt from student loans by applying to as many scholarships as possible as well as seeking employment. I recognize the value of money as did my parents and I want to receive the best education possible at the lowest cost. I know this scholarship will assist me in easing my financial burdens for this upcoming school year. In many ways, the Pandemic allowed me to solidify my career goals. Learning and advocating for healthy practices in communities has been an important aspect of the pandemic. As a future Nurse, my goal is to provide care to as many patients as possible as well as to help advance the field of Nursing with long-term solutions to health care problems. The COVID-19 Pandemic will forever be apart of my college experience. Before deciding to apply to Nursing school, I always knew that I wanted to explore the many occupational paths within the field. Contrary to popular belief, there is so much more to the Nursing field than what meets the eye. While it is typically thought that Nurses work solely in hospitals by a patient’s bedside, increased educational opportunities have made it possible for Nurses to broaden their horizons outside of this traditional setting. Nurses today are researchers finding long-term solutions to problems in healthcare, public health advocates promoting health competency in communities, informatics specialists applying their computer science skills to improve patient care, and educators teaching and advising future Nurses like myself to be the best we can be. As a Nurse wanting to specialize in research and public health, the issues of and surrounding the ongoing pandemic only piqued my interest and validated my career path. Working in Nursing at the midstream and upstream levels has always been a passion of mine because I want to be a part of the solution to long-term and ongoing problems in healthcare. Part of why the pandemic is still at a climax is because of issues stemming from the healthcare industry and how healthcare is distributed. As I progress throughout Nursing School, I plan to uncover and write about these issues and find ways to improve them. In addition to solidifying my career path, the pandemic has taught me to be more versatile, tech-savvy, vulnerable, and optimistic because life is truly unpredictable and I have to always adapt. As a student, I love to learn about the intricacies of different populations which is why I’m also a sociology minor. I understand that my educational experience has to broaden my horizons and provide me with an in-depth knowledge of the various avenues of concentration available within my field. Our many different cultures in America impact the outcomes of our healthcare system and the effects of these outcomes are yet to be disclosed. I want to become involved in Nursing at the public health level to become part of the solution. As a future Registered Nurse, I will help everyone regardless of economic, racial, or social status. After being exposed to several different communities in which I had the opportunity to aid the sick and shut-in, I believe that providing healthcare to a diverse population like that of New York City would be the best career for me and create a great impact on both myself and the patients I am lucky to serve. My experiences thus far have made me a better person and given me a sense of purpose; I want nothing more than to continue serving diverse, underrepresented communities in urban areas through Nursing. As an African American and future Nurse, I want to one day mentor young people and share my experiences while setting a positive example as a minority in an advanced field. I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a reputable nursing program here at Rutgers University. I also plan to obtain an MSN after I graduate.