Many books hold up mirrors to our experiences, emotions, and hopes, portraying who we have been and who we might become. Through the works of Jacqueline Woodson - The Other Side, Each Kindness, and Last Summer with Maizon. I learned a great deal about relationships, empathy, and the dynamics of choice, which truly shaped my ideas about how I want to contribute to the world. In The Other Side, Woodson narrates a tale of friendship that triumphs over racial and social divides. Clover, a young black girl, and Annie, a white girl, forge a connection despite the fence between their homes, which serves metaphorically for segregation. This taught me that sometimes all it takes to tear down barriers—whether they are physical or societal is with a little bit of empathy and courage. The fence reminded me that most divisions exist not because they cannot be overcome but because we allow them to be. Growing up in a town like Allendale, where the reputation of crime and limited opportunities can act as a different kind of fence, this story deeply resonated with me. In Each Kindness, Woodson shows the ripple effect of missed opportunities for kindness. The story follows Maya, a new student ostracized by her classmates, and Chloe, who regrets her unkindness only after Maya moves away. This poignant narrative reinforced the importance of kindness in everyday interactions. It reminded me that even small gestures can have significant, lasting effects—both positive and negative. Through this lens, I’ve come to value not just grand acts of service but also the everyday opportunities to show compassion. This book has motivated me to be more mindful of how my actions or inactions might affect others. It's a lesson I carry with me in my effort to make the world a kinder place, one interaction at a time. In Last Summer with Maizon by Rita Williams-Garcia deals with issues of friendship, change, and resilience. The story follows Margaret, who struggles with the bittersweet transition of her best friend, Maizon, going away to boarding school. This story spoke to me because it shows the intricacies of relationships and the changes that one must eventually confront. It taught me that sometimes growth requires letting go of the familiar and embracing uncertainty. For me, this resonated deeply as I’ve faced the loss of loved ones in my own life. Just as Margaret had to find strength through change, I’ve learned to navigate grief by holding onto cherished memories and leaning on the support of those around me. This book shaped my understanding of resilience and how to navigate life's transitions, including the pain of loss. These books have made me realize that small moves can create immense change, and empathy, kindness, and resilience are just some of the tools one needs to make a difference in the community. Losing loved ones in my family has deeply shaped my perspective on the value of connection and the importance of being present for others. Growing up in Allendale, these lessons feel especially meaningful. They remind me that even in the face of adversity, I can make a difference by being mindful of how my actions or lack can affect others and building bridges of understanding. Through the writings of Ms. Jacqueline Woodson's, I would like her lessons I've learned from in my future efforts and try to contribute them to becoming a RN and work towards a safer and more unified community.

Deciding on a career in healthcare was deeply rooted in personal experiences and the influence of family. In my early years, many members of my family, including my mother, worked either directly or indirectly within the healthcare profession. This had a great impact on me; their commitment, consideration, and perseverance really created in me an early understanding of the very important work these individuals do in improving people's lives. Whether it was a nurse working tirelessly during late-night shifts or a technician ensuring critical equipment was functioning, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact their efforts made on individuals and the community. Their stories and words of encouragement have shaped my understanding of what serving others really means, laying the foundation for my decision to follow in their footsteps. Another important factor in my decision is the medical history of my family, specifically the diagnoses of cancer in close relatives. These experiences were challenging and enlightening, exposing me to the vulnerabilities associated with illness and the hope that skilled healthcare providers can offer. To sit with family members during chemotherapy sessions or navigate the complexities of medical decisions really brought into focus the importance of compassion and the amount of knowledge it takes. These moments not only deepened my respect for those in the field but also instigated my urge to be a part of a system that soothes and caters to solutions for patients and their families during the worst of their times. As I undergo this journey, I'm excited about the many experiences that will help me to grow both as a person and as a professional. Health is a dynamic field, and I want to be involved in as many opportunities as possible that will widen my knowledge and expertise, be it clinical exposure, research, or community-based. I hope that working in different settings and with varied populations will help me to gain a well-rounded perspective, which will enhance my ability to address complex challenges. Career stability in my pursuit of healthcare is important. Not only does the field provide room for security, but it also gives leeway for continuous learning and career advancement. I would envision this career as one where I could build on my experiences, adapt to emerging trends, and remain committed to improvement in patient outcomes. The stability assures me that my contributions will be put to a meaningful and long-lasting profession that also agrees with my career goals. Ultimately, I would like to pursue a professional degree that would provide me with both the knowledge and the credentials to make a difference. This may be through becoming a physician, a specialist, or any other advanced role that I will have to work for through hard work academically and practically to become the best in my field. It represents not only personal achievement but also responsibility to uphold values such as integrity, empathy, and expertise that this noble profession will require from each of us, now and in the future. This interest of mine in the medical field originally had its root in the blend of personal experience, family influence, and an urge to serve. The challenges my family has faced with cancer, coupled with the inspiration provided by relatives in the field, have crystallized my determination to contribute meaningfully to this vital profession. By acquiring new experiences, seeking career stability, and earning a professional degree, I am determined to build a future that honors these motivations while positively impacting the lives of others.

The B.E.T.A. Club and the National Honor Society stand as a ray of hope and change in my community. These two clubs have provided me with an opportunity to engage directly with my community by giving back to it. By being part of these associations, I was able to develop as a person and also contribute to improving my people’s living standards hence paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come. Amongst many such programs including food drives, literacy programs, and environmental clean-up initiatives, we undertake activities that address current concerns in our town. As an active member of the B.E.T.A club, I have been privileged enough to take part in organizing community events, working as a volunteer in local shelters as well as tutoring disadvantaged children at the school level. Such experiences have not only built empathy within me but also made me want to make positive changes today’s world requires. Moreover, I have been serving in the National Honor Society which has been supportive of my path of service. As a member of this highly respected organization, I am trusted with the duty to maintain scholarship, leadership, service, and character. For instance, projects run by the National Honor Society such as raising funds for educational materials and mentoring programs for younger students allowed me to utilize my skills for the sake of improving society – young minds. These experiences have shown me how important it is to give back and be a role model for the future. In the future, I would like to continue working towards making my community better for the future youth. One way through which I plan to accomplish this is by working with local leaders as well as organizations to tackle issues such as poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation. Fostering collaborations & sustainable solutions will allow me to create a more fair & thriving community for the many generations ahead. Furthermore, I am aware of the significance of youth empowerment in promoting change that matters. This way, we can produce new integral leaders who are dedicated to influencing good. In conclusion, joining the B.E.T.A. Club and National Honor Society has been influential in molding my dedication to community service and social responsibility. From this background, I have come to learn about giving back and how unity can impact our society greatly. To that end, as I march into the future, I will continue working on my community to make it better for generations to come knowing well that through collaboration we will make the world more equal than it is now.