My mother’s passing in October of 2023 was the pivotal moment that set me on the path toward pursuing a degree in healthcare. Her sudden death from a heart attack was one of the hardest experiences I have ever faced. It forced me to confront the fragility of life and to reflect deeply on what truly matters. In the following months of grief and introspection, I dug deep into my past and uncovered my true calling of healthcare. Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned independence, empathy, and the importance of caring for those around me. It has always been in my nature to support others, and without realizing it at the time, these life experiences were preparing me for what I was meant to do: to support others during critical moments of health concern, to help people in moments of vulnerability and uncertainty, and to make a difference in their experience of care. Health and wellness have always been areas of interest for me, both personally and academically, and healthcare will allow me to contribute in ways that are tangible and transformative. My decision to specialize in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) came from both research and personal experience. I recalled my own experience as an ultrasound patient and the profound impact the compassionate, skilled sonographer had on me at a time when I felt vulnerable. This experience reignited a desire I’ve always carried, which is to provide that same level of reassurance, empathy, and care to others by creating an environment where patients feel understood, safe, and supported. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to model both empathy and professionalism. I want to exemplify the values of technical skills and compassion and contribute to a culture where patient care is prioritized. I hope to inspire other women, especially those like me who are first-generation college students or who have faced significant personal challenges, to pursue careers in healthcare. Representation matters, and I want to show that it is possible to enter a rigorous technical field balanced with empathy and human connection. I also hope to advocate for patients and contribute to a culture that values the experiences and voices of women, both as providers and recipients of care. Pursuing a degree in healthcare is my way of aligning my career with my values, creating a meaningful impact, and embodying the qualities of empathy, perseverance, and caring for others. It is my way of honoring the lessons my mother taught me about life, both directly and indirectly. This degree is not only the pathway to a fulfilling career, but also a platform for me to make a difference, as a woman, in the lives of the patients I serve and the broader healthcare community.

I have spent most of my life taking care of myself and others. Growing up in a single-parent and unstable household forced me to become independent at a young age. This experience, along with being a first-generation college student, showed me just how valuable education is, and that is what motivates me to pursue it. I want to create a life for myself and my future family that I didn't have growing up. It's been a long journey navigating career options. Right out of high school, I pursued an English degree. Halfway through that, I decided to switch to Accounting and graduated from Chico State in 2023 with my Bachelor's degree. I've been working in accounting since 2019 but decided that it's not a fulfilling career for me. In October of 2023, my mother passed away from a heart attack, and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. Along with some other major life events, my perspective completely shifted, and I was forced to evaluate my life and what was truly important to me. Ultimately, I want to spend my life doing something that I feel is making a difference in the lives of others. One of the best ways to do this is through the medical field since it provides many different opportunities to help others. Health and wellness have always interested me because of the profound effect it has on our lives. The healthier we are, the better quality of life we have. Too many people experience health issues at some point in their lives, and having a great care team is essential to providing proper treatment. Being able to contribute to such a team is exceptional since they have a direct impact on the patient's life, and that is something I would love to be a part of. There are many different avenues available in health care to ensure that patients get the best care. After much research and reflection, I chose to pursue a career in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS), and now I am back in school to complete my prerequisites for the program. Sonography interested me as a career because of the technical aspect of it, the patient care involved, and the many opportunities provided. I believe that having a compassionate and calming ultrasound tech can help ease any anxiety or nerves the patient may have about their exam or overall health, and that is what I want to be. I want to provide a safe space and exceptional care for patients.