I grew up in a small town with many odds against me: low income, single parent, seven siblings, no health insurance, no dental, and no direction. My only way of standing out and becoming a better version of myself was with knowledge and grit. I am proudly the first in my family to go to college. I have my A.S. in Natural Science and my B.A. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Promotion. I am in an ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program at Samuel Merritt University, class of 2023. As a nursing student, I am acutely aware of my chosen profession's potential to positively impact the world. The opportunity to alleviate suffering and improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities drew me to nursing in the first place. It continues to motivate me as I progress through my nursing degree. One of the key ways that I plan to make a positive impact as a nurse is by advocating for the needs of underserved and marginalized populations. This involves providing care to these individuals and speaking out against the systemic barriers preventing them from accessing the necessary resources and support. For example, I hope to work with organizations that provide healthcare services to homeless individuals and families who may face significant challenges in accessing adequate care due to their living situations. Additionally, I plan to pursue initiatives that promote preventative care and education, which have the potential to make a significant impact on public health outcomes. For my Senior Fieldwork Practicum, I worked with a Turlock elementary school to educate on healthy lifestyle choices, early detection and management of chronic illnesses, and disease prevention. I want to continue to work with schools and community organizations to better educate our youth on the importance of health. Investing in preventative care can reduce the burden of chronic diseases and healthcare costs in the long term. As a nursing student, I also recognize the potential for technology to improve healthcare outcomes and increase access to care for individuals and communities. I plan to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in healthcare technology and integrate these tools and resources into my practice to provide the best possible care to my patients. From virtual consultations to remote monitoring and patient portals, technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we deliver care and improve the lives of the individuals we serve. Finally, nursing can be critical in advocacy efforts to promote health equity and social justice. Whether through interdisciplinary collaboration, community outreach, or policy initiatives, nurses can lend their voices and expertise to efforts to promote change and address the root causes of health disparities. By taking an active role in policy and advocacy efforts, nurses can help ensure that all individuals have access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or social status. As a nursing student, I am excited and inspired by my chosen profession's potential to positively impact the world. Through humble service, thoughtful advocacy, and a commitment to social justice, I plan to use my degree to work towards a healthier, more equitable world for all.

It was 6:37 on a Thursday morning in June. I opened my email, as I always do while waiting for my coffee to brew. I patiently lean against the counter and click on an email from Samuel Merritt University, expecting it to be another advertisement for a webinar. I received these often, reminding me that I have yet to be accepted into a nursing program six years into applying. Suddenly, I felt a rush through my body, and I couldn't tell if I was still breathing. Did I just read what I thought I read? Is this the moment I have prayed, cried, and wished for? My eyes squeezed shut, and happy tears began to roll down my face. I quickly dial my mother, and she answers, "Good morning, sweetie." I barely let her finish, "MOM, I am freaking out— I did it! I FINALLY got in!" I immediately pulled up the email and read to her, "Congratulations! On behalf of the President, faculty, and staff, I am pleased to offer you admission to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Samuel Merritt University." My life has never come easy, but I never knew the difference until my mom pointed it out. It has been engraved in me to work hard and if I want something, always continue until I have achieved it. After being the first in my family to graduate from junior college with my Associate's degree in Natural Sciences, I knew I wanted a career that mattered. I wanted to be a part of a career that is both rewarding and meaningful. I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a nurse. Rejection after rejection, my dream of becoming a nurse was not working out for me. I had spent two years applying to every nursing program in a 200-mile radius. I dislike being stagnant, and I knew I needed to devise a new plan. I went on to get my B.A. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Promotion from California State University Stanislaus. Upon graduating, I decided to retake some of my prerequisite courses for nursing and make myself more valuable and competitive. I learned how having experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) would be beneficial and helpful in getting into a program, so I enrolled in a twelve-week CNA course. At this time, Covid-19 began to emerge. Teachers and healthcare workers were overwhelmed and understaffed. So I used my Bachelor's degree to become a substitute teacher for two school districts and became a CNA at a long-term care facility. Two essential experiences in my adulthood that I would have never experienced if I had gotten into a nursing program the first time around. These two jobs taught me flexibility, communication, time management, patience, and genuine empathy— All qualities that I believe will serve me well as a nurse. Working in the hospital has been challenging but extremely rewarding in so many ways. As a nursing student, no shift goes as planned, and luckily, I've learned the tools to make the most of any situation. Walking into a patient's room and having them tell me they are happy I am their student nurse melts me to my core. Even in harsh exchanges, I am thankful I have the communication skills to listen to my patients and let them know I understand that being in a hospital setting is scary and uncomfortable, but I am here for them. I am grateful for every obstacle to getting here because I know in my heart and soul that this career is meant for me.