Dear Future Me, I hope this letter finds you in a place of fulfillment, having successfully achieved your goal of becoming a nurse. Reflecting on the journey that brought you here, it’s incredible to think about how much you have overcome. You have always been someone who takes life's challenges and uses them to grow stronger, more compassionate, and more determined. Remember when you lived in a shelter during middle school? That period shaped your resilience and your ability to focus on education as a path to success. School became your sanctuary—a place where you could envision a brighter future, despite the struggles at home. Your commitment to academic success, earning good grades, and finding opportunities through education opened doors for you, leading to where you are now. Your work experiences, from Footlocker to various volunteer roles, also played a significant role in building the skills that now make you a great nurse. Learning how to serve customers with empathy and manage responsibilities as a Sales Associate helped you develop the communication and problem-solving abilities essential in nursing. Your dedication to teamwork and understanding people’s needs translates perfectly to patient care, which is now your daily mission. Don’t forget how your involvement in the First Workings program introduced you to mentorship and career guidance that were invaluable in shaping your aspirations. The training you received—resume writing, interview skills, career readiness—gave you the tools to navigate the professional world with confidence. All of these experiences set the foundation for the career you’ve built, providing care and advocacy for people like you, especially as a woman of color in a healthcare system that needs more diversity and representation. Volunteering in your community has always been a big part of who you are, from working at the New York Common Pantry to participating in breast cancer walks. These experiences strengthened your passion for helping others and laid the groundwork for your nursing career. Your ability to empathize with those in need, work in a team, and take on responsibility are all qualities that make you an exceptional caregiver. The obstacles you faced, such as growing up without a father figure and taking on adult responsibilities at a young age, only fueled your desire to succeed. You learned to be self-reliant, resourceful, and compassionate. All these lessons have come together, not just to help you become a nurse but to make you someone who advocates for others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. You’ve used your experiences to create a positive impact in your community and in healthcare. As you continue to grow in your career, always remember why you chose this path—to represent, advocate for, and care for those who are often overlooked or misunderstood. Your resilience and passion have led you to a place where you are making a difference every day. Stay true to the values that have guided you and continue to uplift others, just as you have always done. With pride & love, Your Past Self