Growing up, I always admired the strength and resilience of people who overcame adversity. My parents did an amazing job shielding my siblings and me from the hardships of growing up in a low-income household. They never made it feel like we were struggling - only that we could achieve anything we set our minds to. That mindset carried me into adulthood, and although my career path was not always clear, my purpose became clearer through my experiences and the people closest to me, especially my best friend. I didn't always know I would go into healthcare, but I always had a passion for helping others. It wasn't until I saw my best friend, who is a single mother of two, a survivor of domestic violence, and all-around warrior, fight her way through nursing school that something shifted in me. Against all odds, she graduated, and now, a year and a half later, she's graduating again with her master's to become a nurse practitioner. I was with her every step of the way, helping however I could, and seeing her discipline and dedication to healthcare up close opened my eyes to a world where I could also make a difference. That led me to Sterile Processing - a trade within healthcare that's often overlooked but vital. Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, and preparing surgical instruments to ensure patient safety. I chose this career because it combines discipline, precision, and purpose. It allows me to work behind the scenes to protect lives, especially in surgical and emergency settings. For someone like me, who's detail-oriented and passionate about supporting others without always needing the spotlight, it's the perfect path. In addition to my educational goals, I'm deeply committed to giving back. I volunteered with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, caring for animals and assisting staff. My volunteer work was part of a broader commitment through West Tampa Boys and Girls Club, where I was a member from middle school to Junior year of high school. I helped with beach cleanups with the club and served in local homeless shelters. Those experiences rooted my sense of purpose and gave me a deeper understanding of the impact of direct community service. I'm also passionate about several social causes. As a survivor of sexual violence at a young age, I care deeply about supporting other victims who have endured similar trauma and victims of domestic violence. When these experiences happen early in life, especially at the hands of someone your parents/you trust, it can leave lasting wounds that shape how you view yourself and the world. In my case, it was a family friend - someone my parents never would have imagined capable of such harm. I know what it's like to carry a pain like that silently and how powerful it can be to feel seen, heard, and believed. My long-term goal is to help support systems that help survivors begin to help through community, advocacy, and access to resources. I'm also passionate about supporting adults returning to school. As someone walking that path myself, I've experienced how difficult it can be navigating higher education with limited guidance or financial stability. These challenges reminded me why I will one day create a nonprofit dedicated to helping adult students feel supported, prepared, and empowered in their education journeys. Ultimately, these causes shape the person I am today and the healthcare career I'm pursuing. I hope to bring my passion for advocacy and healing into sterile processing, contributing to a system that protects and improves lives.