Usually questions such as these are difficult for me to answer, I seldom like to brag or think I am better than others. However I find that one characteristic of mine immediately comes to mind; my work ethic. Now I never truly realized how much of a work ethic I had until my first job. Even though prior to beginning my first job I had been involved in numerous activities and honors classes, which truly did require a strong work ethic, that lightbulb never really lit up. As soon as I got my first car and was able to drive myself, I got a job working a Jimmy Johns. A friend of mine worked there and it seemed like a good way to spend time with her and make some money while doing it. However this job quickly became a top priority of mine, I wanted to do well and work hard. I mimicked actions of my managers, seeing how they were always doing something and never sitting on their phones. As time went on I continued to pick up shifts and learn more. I got put on longer shifts during lunch rush and learned to do tasks that some of my coworkers who were older and had been there longer didn’t know how to do. My bosses trusted me, they could count on me. Then, I was told that I was going to be a manager as soon as I turned 18. I was trained as a manager in all shifts; opening, day shift and closing. It was in that moment that I truly realized how much of a work ethic I had, as my managers and the owner all trusted me to handle anything. Having a good work ethic has been a true asset to me. Whether that be being promoted in my workplace, getting into honor organizations at school, getting awards in sports or even working hard at home. I never recognized it in myself until I was promoted, but I knew that this quality would get me far in life. However I also knew that it could be taken advantage of, and that is where more learning comes in. As I continue to age and experience life, I can measure what is wrong and right, I can learn to say no. No matter the situation, having a good work ethic is no doubt my most valuable quality. I feel as though a good work ethic is sometimes hard to come by in society, and I think it can make all the difference in one’s life. I believe that having a good work ethic can achieve so much for someone, and not just in the workplace. It can also aid individuals in school, in friendships, and also in family life. If you have a good work ethic you are sure to succeed in one way or another.

Ever since I can remember I have always had a passion for helping others. Peers as well as strangers. I was always the one to want to help in any situation. I have wanted to pursue a career in nursing for quite some time. I got my CNA license a couple summers ago and fell in love with the field. It was truly rewarding to learn and experience just a fraction of the responsibilities during my clinicals. I have always enjoyed science courses, working hard to excel in them and learn more about the human body. It was a truly humbling experience. There are endless areas and specialties within the nursing field. I have thought and pondered endlessly about the options I am have. I find so many intriguing, however I find the a few truly pull me towards them. For the longest time I have loved working with children, taking care of children. At the age of 7 I was always the one to want to help take care of my newborn cousin. No matter what it was I wanted to help. As I got older I continued to want to help children, I babysat continuously and always created a bond with children. Even today I find myself loving to be around children and aiding them in any way I can. Working in pediatrics greatly intrigues me. Specifically working in the OR in pediatrics. At the age of 12 I had an emergency appendectomy. I was scared and didn’t know what was going on. My nurse calmed me, informed me on what was going to happen in a way that I may understand. She put my mind at ease in a great way. I want to be that person for other children. I want to be the person to put their minds as well as their parents minds. Throughout my schooling I have struggled with mental health. This area also interests me as I find it vital to care for and aid people who share my once struggles. To be able to help in anyway I can and allow patients to see that there is someone to is their advocate, I can imagine would be most rewarding. No matter what specialty I end up pursuing, nursing is where I want to be. I want to be an advocate for all patients. To aid them and take care care of them in any way I am capable of doing.

1. I am rich and don’t need money 2. I want to go back to Kindergarten forever 3. This one time I got a dog, greatest accomplishment ever

Throughout my life, I have always been one interested in science courses and knowing more about the human body. I worked hard in these courses and excelled in them. Outside of school I was always helping others whether they be my peer or a stranger. If a friend fell down I was the first to rush to their side, to run and get ice or a bandage. At the store if I see someone struggling to carry their things, immediately I offer to help. I chose to pursue a career in nursing because of my passion for helping others. The healthcare field has always appealed to me, and nursing seemed the best fit for me. I have aspired to go into nursing for a very long time. The summer after COVID hit, I chose to take a course that would earn me my CNA license. As soon as I began that course, I was in love. During clinicals I immediately realized that I truly enjoyed this field. My instructor for this course inspired me to love the job, even with the difficulties that come along with it. I also have a passion for working with kids. I love kids, they are so resilient and strong even at such a young age. I have always been the person that gets asked to watch kids or even the one to offer to take care of kids. Specifically in the hospital setting, kids are sure to be frightened or afraid of the unknown. I myself remember that feeling during my multiple visits to the hospital as a kid. I aspire to use my skills to help put children's minds at ease, to explain to them in simple terms what they might experience. I want to become an advocate for these children, to put their parent’s minds at ease as well. I want them to know that someone is there that has their child’s best interest at heart. I know that was my mothers biggest worry when me or my sister were in the hospital or had to undergo surgery. I dream to be the person my mother needed, to be the one that allows a parent to relax even ever so slightly. I dream to be the friendly face that the child sees, to be the person that will take care of their every need and to answer every question they might have to the best of my ability. At the age of 12 I had an emergency appendectomy. I was completely out of it due to the appendicitis and didn’t really know what was going on. When going into surgery, my nurse was sure to have a conversation with me and make little jokes to put me at ease. She explained everything that was going on, what I might feel what the doctors were going to do. She did so in a manner that I could understand but that also didn’t frighten me. She counted with me after going under anesthesia. I aspire to be like her. To be the friendly face for these children in what can be a frightening experience.

As a student who has struggled with mental health since 7th grade, this issue is very important to me. I struggled in solidarity for the majority of that time, afraid to speak up or ask for help. I think that it is vital to spread awareness, to make sure individuals don’t feel alone. Often times that is how it feels, we feel shut out from the world. By spreading awareness and resources for those who struggle with mental health, there would be a higher chance of asking for assistance. I often felt guilty for thinking of asking for help, I thought that I was a burden for putting my problems on anyone else and refused to ask for help for a long time. If we can prevent individuals from feeling this way, there could be a great increase in people speaking up. If the topic of mental health is being talked about more and more there will be less of a negative connotation surrounding it. There are so many resources out there that people view as non attainable or maybe don’t even know of. If these resources could be made more accessible in institutions such as schools and workplaces, it could have a great impact. Mental health should not be perceived as a negative thing as almost everyone experiences these struggles at some point in their life. Mental health is something that everyone should be aware of, and something that individuals should not be shamed for. If I had known that I was not alone, I most certainly would’ve asked for help sooner. I would have learned how to approach things, I would’ve found my way out of the dark sooner.