On June 19, 2022, my entire life changed. I found out I was pregnant with my first child. After reading the pregnancy test, I felt so many emotions. I immediately felt sick, dizzy, and overwhelmed. I called my mom and told her, "I don't know what I am going to do... I'm not ready. I'm scared." My mom consoled me the best she could and told me, "Sometimes God puts you in positions you believe you are not ready for, but he knows in which you are." That stuck with me for the rest of my pregnancy all the way until now. At that point when I walked out of the bathroom, I knew things were going to change... everything was. I was going down the wrong path before I became with child. My life was spiraling out of control. I had no plans for the future, and I was simply living in the now. Always waiting for the next moment of excitement and adrenaline. Whether it was going out every day or working as a bottle girl in nightclubs and brunch lounges surrounded by alcohol and bad decisions. That was all I had to look forward to, but getting pregnant forced me to buckle down and really think about who I was and who I wanted to be. I decided I wanted to be the best version of myself because that's what my child deserved and most importantly it's what I deserved. I began this journey of praying and journaling. I started to write down everything I felt passionate about. The main thing was I wanted to go back to school. I realized it was important to further my education so that I could be the example my son deserved. I wanted to make sure he knows that the sky is the limit. There is nothing he can't do and it's never too late to start. I also wanted to ensure my son has a comfortable life. As a child, I experienced extreme poverty and was not afforded many opportunities. I never want my child to feel less than others or go without anything he needs. Lastly, I decided to go to nursing school because I have a passion for caring for others and felt that nursing best fit my calling and true purpose on this earth. So, I applied to nursing school, and, by the grace of God, I got in! Since I have done my prerequisites and begin Nursing school this upcoming fall. After graduating with my associate's nursing degree, I plan to attend an RN-BSN bridge program. I want to continue to further my education by attending graduate school to receive my Master of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner License. I then hope to get my Ph.D. in Nursing so that I can eventually open my own Nurse Aesthetics practice.

On June 19, 2022, my entire life changed. I found out I was pregnant with my first child. After reading the pregnancy test, I felt so many emotions. I immediately felt sick, dizzy, and overwhelmed. I called my mom and told her, "I don't know what I am going to do... I'm not ready. I'm scared." My mom consoled me the best she could and told me, "Sometimes God puts you in positions you believe you are not ready for, but he knows in which you are." That stuck with me for the rest of my pregnancy all the way until now. At that point when I walked out of the bathroom, I knew things were going to change... everything was. I was going down the wrong path before I became with child. My life was spiraling out of control. I had no plans for the future, and I was simply living in the now. Always waiting for the next moment of excitement and adrenaline. Whether it was going out every day or working as a bottle girl in nightclubs and brunch lounges surrounded by alcohol and bad decisions. That was all I had to look forward to, but getting pregnant forced me to buckle down and really think about who I was and who I wanted to be. I decided I wanted to be the best version of myself because that's what my child deserved and most importantly it's what I deserved. I began this journey of praying and journaling. I started to write down everything I felt passionate about. The main thing was I wanted to go back to school. I realized it was important to further my education so that I could be the example my son deserved. I wanted to make sure he knows that the sky is the limit. There is nothing he can't do and it's never too late to start. I also wanted to ensure my son has a comfortable life. As a child, I experienced extreme poverty and was not afforded many opportunities. I never want my child to feel less than others or go without anything he needs. Lastly, I decided to go to nursing school because I have a passion for caring for others and felt that nursing best fit my calling and true purpose on this earth. So, I applied to nursing school, and, by the grace of God, I got in! Since I have done my prerequisites and begin Nursing school this upcoming fall. After graduating with my associate's nursing degree, I plan to attend an RN-BSN bridge program. I want to continue to further my education by attending graduate school to receive my Master of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner License. I then hope to get my Ph.D. in Nursing so that I can eventually open my own pediatrics practice. I have always had a love for children. I am the eldest of 6 cousins and my little sister. I have always enjoyed babysitting, watching, and teaching my younger counterparts. The innocence that children hold remind me of my younger years before the world aged my mind and my heart. I always try to keep them as innocent as possible for as long as possible.

On June 19, 2022, my entire life changed. I found out I was pregnant with my first child. After reading the pregnancy test, I felt so many emotions. I immediately felt sick, dizzy, and overwhelmed. I called my mom and told her, "I don't know what I am going to do... I'm not ready. I'm scared." My mom consoled me the best she could and told me, "Sometimes God puts you in positions you believe you are not ready for, but he knows in which you are." That stuck with me for the rest of my pregnancy all the way until now. At that point when I walked out of the bathroom, I knew things were going to change... everything was. I was going down the wrong path before I became with child. My life was spiraling out of control. I had no plans for the future, and I was simply living in the now. Always waiting for the next moment of excitement and adrenaline. Whether it was going out every day or working as a bottle girl in nightclubs and brunch lounges surrounded by alcohol and bad decisions. That was all I had to look forward to, but getting pregnant forced me to buckle down and really think about who I was and who I wanted to be. I decided I wanted to be the best version of myself because that's what my child deserved and most importantly it's what I deserved. I began this journey of praying and journaling. I started to write down everything I felt passionate about. The main thing was I wanted to go back to school. I realized it was important to further my education so that I could be the example my son deserved. I wanted to make sure he knows that the sky is the limit. There is nothing he can't do and it's never too late to start. I also wanted to ensure my son has a comfortable life. As a child, I experienced extreme poverty and was not afforded many opportunities. I never want my child to feel less than others or go without anything he needs. Lastly, I decided to go to nursing school because I have a passion for caring for others and felt that nursing best fit my calling and true purpose on this earth. So, I applied to nursing school, and, by the grace of God, I got in! Since I have done my prerequisites and begin Nursing school this upcoming fall. After graduating with my associate's nursing degree, I plan to attend an RN-BSN bridge program. I want to continue to further my education by attending graduate school to receive my Master of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner License. I then hope to get my Ph.D. in Nursing so that I can eventually open my own Nurse Aesthetics practice.

I have always had a great passion for taking care of people. It started with my aunt. As a kid, my aunt was slightly disabled, so I always went out of my way to help her do whatever I could. I was a small child, so it wasn't much I could actually do. However, I was determined to make a difference in her life. I did anything to make her more comfortable. I would massage her feet, style her hair, bring her food, and, her favorite, scratch her back. She always gave me small incentives for helping, but I never actually did it for the free snacks. It was always because being able to make her day just a little bit better fed my spirit in ways I couldn't find anywhere else. So as I grew older, it was hard for me to establish what I wanted to do with my life. I have so many interests from dancing to cosmetology. I went through high school thinking I want to be a psychologist. Then when I graduated, I changed my major to education. After the pandemic hit, I was completely lost. Gone were the things and simple interactions I was used to, and in its place was quarantine and solidarity. It took a lot of reflection to come to terms with my true passion: being there when needed. I love showing up for others. I love making even the smallest difference in someone's life. After the pandemic, I became pregnant with my first child. It was the scariest and most exciting moment I've ever experienced when I found out. I had no idea what my future looked like or how I could be a mom. I went to my appointments alone and the only thing I found solace in was my nurse. I had a quite physically and mentally taxing pregnancy however my nurse Jessica was my angel the entire 38 weeks I carried my son. She made sure I was as comfortable as possible every step of the way. She was there for me mentally as well as making sure I knew how to take care of myself and my baby. She helped me find resources for single moms. While doing all of that she ignited my confidence as a first-time mom. She constantly encouraged and reassured me that I would make a great mother and in turn made me believe more in myself. Throughout that journey, I realized that Jessica and I had the same passion for making a difference. We both wanted to help people in the best way that we could. She inspired and encouraged me to apply for nursing school because she said it fulfilled her in a way that being a mom did. Caring for others brought us both joy. That is the reason nursing is important to me. Daily people are placed under the care of nurses and doctors who are trusted to treat them to the best of their ability. I want to help bridge the gap between nurse and patient and help to increase trust in the medical industry. I also want to make sure that there are more Nurses in the field like Jessica by adding to the nursing pool so that nurses are less overwhelmed and overworked. I plan to help people the way my Nurse Jessica helped me.

On June 19, 2022, my entire life changed. I found out I was pregnant with my first child. After reading the pregnancy test, I felt so many emotions. I immediately felt sick, dizzy, and overwhelmed. I called my mom and told her, "I don't know what I am going to do... I'm not ready. I'm scared." My mom consoled me the best she could and told me, "Sometimes God puts you in positions you believe you are not ready for, but he knows in which you are." That stuck with me for the rest of my pregnancy all the way until now. At that point when I walked out of the bathroom, I knew things were going to change... everything was. I was going down the wrong path before I became pregnant. My life was spiraling out of control. I had no plans for the future, and I was simply living in the now. Always waiting for the next moment of excitement and adrenaline. Whether it was going out every day or working as a bottle girl in nightclubs and brunch lounges surrounded by alcohol and bad decisions. That was all I had to look forward to, but getting pregnant forced me to buckle down and really think about who I was and who I wanted to be. I decided I wanted to be the best version of myself because that's what my child deserved and most importantly it's what I deserved. I began this journey of praying and journaling. I started to write down everything I felt passionate about. The main thing was I wanted to go back to school. I realized it was important to further my education so that I could be the example my son deserved. I wanted to make sure he knows that the sky is the limit. There is nothing he can't do and it's never too late to start. I also wanted to ensure my son has a comfortable life. As a child, I experienced extreme poverty and was not afforded many opportunities. I never want my child to feel less than others or go without anything he needs. Lastly, I decided to go to nursing school because I have a passion for caring for others and felt that nursing best fit my calling and true purpose on this earth. So, I applied to nursing school, and, by the grace of God, I got in! Since, I have finished my prerequisites, and I begin Nursing school this upcoming fall. After graduating with my associate's nursing degree, I plan to attend an RN-BSN bridge program. I want to continue to further my education by attending graduate school to receive my Master of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner License. I then hope to get my Ph.D. in Nursing so that I can eventually open my own Nurse Aesthetics practice.

I have always had a great passion for taking care of people. It started with my aunt. As a kid, my aunt was slightly disabled, so I always went out of my way to help her do whatever I could. I was a small child, so it wasn't much I could actually do. However, I was determined to make a difference in her life. I did anything to make her more comfortable. I would massage her feet, style her hair, bring her food, and, her favorite, scratch her back. She always gave me small incentives for helping, but I never actually did it for the free snacks. It was always because being able to make her day just a little bit better fed my spirit in ways I couldn't find anywhere else. So as I grew older, it was hard for me to establish what I wanted to do with my life. I have so many interests from dancing to cosmetology. I went through high school thinking I want to be a psychologist. Then when I graduated, I changed my major to education. After the pandemic hit, I was completely lost. Gone were the things and simple interactions I was used to, and in its place was quarantine and solidarity. It took a lot of reflection to come to terms with my true passion: being there when needed. I love showing up for others. I love making even the smallest difference in someone's life. After the pandemic, I became pregnant with my first child. It was the scariest and most exciting moment I've ever experienced when I found out. I had no idea what my future looked like or how I could be a mom. I went to my appointments alone and the only thing I found solace in was my nurse. I had a quite physically and mentally taxing pregnancy however my nurse Jessica was my angel the entire 38 weeks I carried my son. She made sure I was as comfortable as possible every step of the way. She was there for me mentally as well as making sure I knew how to take care of myself and my baby. She helped me find resources for single moms. While doing all of that she ignited my confidence as a first-time mom. She constantly encouraged and reassured me that I would make a great mother and in turn made me believe more in myself. Throughout that journey, I realized that Jessica and I had the same passion for making a difference. We both wanted to help people in the best way that we could. She inspired and encouraged me to apply for nursing school because she said it fulfilled her in a way that being a mom did. Caring for others brought us both joy. That is the reason nursing is important to me. Daily people are placed under the care of nurses and doctors who are trusted to treat them to the best of their ability. I want to help bridge the gap between nurse and patient and help to increase trust in the medical industry. I also want to make sure that there are more Nurses in the field like Jessica by adding to the nursing pool so that nurses are less overwhelmed and overworked. I plan to help people the way my Nurse Jessica helped me.

I have always had a great passion for taking care of people. It started with my aunt. As a kid, my aunt was slightly disabled, so I always went out of my way to help her do whatever I could. I was a small child, so it wasn't much I could actually do. However, I was determined to make a difference in her life. I did anything to make her more comfortable. I would massage her feet, style her hair, bring her food, and, her favorite, scratch her back. She always gave me small incentives for helping, but I never actually did it for the free snacks. It was always because being able to make her day just a little bit better fed my spirit in ways I couldn't find anywhere else. So as I grew older, it was hard for me to establish what I wanted to do with my life. I have so many interests from dancing to cosmetology. I went through high school thinking I want to be a psychologist. Then when I graduated, I changed my major to education. After the pandemic hit, I was completely lost. Gone were the things and simple interactions I was used to, and in its place was quarantine and solidarity. It took a lot of reflection to come to terms with my true passion: being there when needed. I love showing up for others. I love making even the smallest difference in someone's life. After the pandemic, I became pregnant with my first child. It was the scariest and most exciting moment I've ever experienced when I found out. I had no idea what my future looked like or how I could be a mom. I went to my appointments alone and the only thing I found solace in was my nurse. I had a quite physically and mentally taxing pregnancy however my nurse Jessica was my angel the entire 38 weeks I carried my son. She made sure I was as comfortable as possible every step of the way. She was there for me mentally as well as making sure I knew how to take care of myself and my baby. She helped me find resources for single moms. While doing all of that she ignited my confidence as a first-time mom. She constantly encouraged and reassured me that I would make a great mother and in turn made me believe more in myself. Throughout that journey, I realized that Jessica and I had the same passion for making a difference. We both wanted to help people in the best way that we could. She inspired and encouraged me to apply for nursing school because she said it fulfilled her in a way that being a mom did. Caring for others brought us both joy. That is the reason nursing is important to me. Daily people are placed under the care of nurses and doctors who are trusted to treat them to the best of their ability. I want to help bridge the gap between nurse and patient and help to increase trust in the medical industry. I want to help people the way my Nurse Jessica helped me.