My name is Sommer Queally and I am in my second year at Cochran School of Nursing in Yonkers, NY. I heard about the Maureen C. Pace Memorial Nursing Scholarship from another nurse, named Kathy Rosa, who worked with Maureen. From what I have heard and read about Maureen, her commitment and passion for the patients and community she served were inimitable. It is an honor to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. My inspiration to become a nurse comes from both my mother and my experience as a patient. My mother, a nurse of 35 years, holds an array of nursing positions, including one at a nursing home. I would often attend work with her and eventually became a volunteer at a young age. Here I enjoyed learning about patient care and interacting with residents. This also prepared me to be comfortable in the role of a patient, which became important early on in my own experiences. During my childhood, I endured three major surgeries. Because my mother introduced me to and involved me in the medical field at such a young age, throughout each health crisis, I felt confident and comfortable. Instead of fearing these instances, I felt inspired by the work I witnessed. I always wished to be in the nurse’s shoes. This past year in nursing school has been the most exciting time of my life. Although school can be challenging, I am motivated to learn as much as I can. So when my school offered a summer internship opportunity, I eagerly applied. After being offered a position as a nurse intern, I was able to select a department to work in as a nurse intern. Again, inspired by both my mom, a current ED nurse, and a school trip to the ENA Conference, I chose the Emergency Department. I just finished my fourth week in the ED of St. John’s Riverside Hospital and everything I thought I wanted for myself in my nursing career has changed. I did not expect to fall in love with the ED’s fast pace and unique environment as hard as I have. It is really special to be among the first faces the patient sees when they get to the hospital. You are in a trusted position because patients here are especially vulnerable. They are hurting and are looking for explanations. Even though for the nurse it’s just any other day, for the patient, it’s one of their worst days. It’s an emergency. It is the role of the nurse to provide comfort while coordinating the plan of care at a nearly impossible speed. But somehow, the nurses of the ED make it possible and seemingly effortless. It is unreal. I want to be the nurse who patients trust when they are in an emergency. With only four more weeks in the ED, before I return to school to finish my final two semesters, I cannot help but feel a little sad. I don’t want to leave! But, I must. I plan to finish school strong and hopefully, by this time next year, I will be serving my community as a registered nurse. I know that my heart belongs to the ED. I look forward to the day I submit my job application to rejoin the department I have learned so much from.