I'm choosing to be a nurse because there are people in this world that don't have access to basic physical, mental, and emotional care. This world can be lonely and cold, so I feel called to this profession. I love helping young children and the elderly, as their needs are the same. They need help taking care of themselves, and it takes a certain type of person to do that. My 73-year-old grandfather has Type 2 diabetes, needs a hip replacement, has already had both knees replaced, has had multiple strokes and falls, and lost my grandmother to cancer two years ago. He's lonely, and simply can't get around like he used to. There are many elderly people in a situation just like him or worse, some without a community to rely on. We're all faced with the reality of death and debilitating illnesses as we age. I wouldn't want my grandfather to face his issues on his own, and I certainly wouldn't wish that upon anyone else. I want to be there for the elderly that don't have anyone in their corner caring for them. I helped my grandmother through her time in hospice as well. I kept up with her medicine dosages and timing. I looked her in her eyes as they became glossy and watery, unable to recognize her. I talked to her, bringing up old memories, even though she converse with me. I watched her not be able to swallow anymore, even when I wanted to give her water. I helped change her diapers and held her upright when she could still use the commode. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but one of the most necessary. We all need each other, and the elderly need able-bodied caretakers now more than ever. My grandmother had breast cancer at 46, lung cancer at 66, and began forming brain metastases because of the other cancers shortly after her lungs were infected. I plan to make a positive impact through my degree by educating myself to better provide care for those that don't have a strong community to rely on. I'd like to work in my community educating the elderly about certain issues they should be aware of. I'd like to cultivate and improve spaces for them to exist, socialize, and learn about prevalent health issues that plague their community. Everyone deserves to have their basic needs met, which only grow in number as we age. My body tells me what it needs, and I listen. So many geriatric patients ignore their bodies, having White Coat Syndrome(fear of the doctor). Completely understandable, but...unacceptable. Being informed about their health ahead of time is what saves lives and prevents diseases. I want this degree, badly. My goal is to have my Bachelor of Science In Nursing by 2026, at the latest. I want to finish school debt free and have implemented a plan to do so. Scholarships are extremely imperative to the success of this plan, so I'm taking advantage of every opportunity given to me. This scholarship will cover the cost of my textbooks for the upcoming semester, as well as a portion of the rest of my unpaid tuition.