As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well! As I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling.

I personally have struggled with mental health since I was a little girl. I was bullied and sexually assaulted at the age of 12 and when I spoke up about it I was told I was a liar. I quickly spiraled into a mental health crisis and was admitted to a mental health facility shortly after. For the remainder of my teenage years I was in therapy and on medications. Shortly into my adulthood I was doing well balancing my mental health until I began having children. I once again battled a mental health crisis after I had a stillborn at the age of 23. I continued to spiral and was admitted 4 more times to a mental health facility after suicide attempts. I eventually was able to get the help I needed to realize that my three living children needed me more alive than not. I realized that although there was an imbalance in my brain and a hole in my heart that I owed it to them to be there for their life for as long as I was intended to be on earth. I have been in this state of mind for the last 10 years and it is the wildest rollercoaster I have ever encountered. I have found ways to help me process when I have very dark thoughts and I have found that exercise and yoga help me work myself out of the hole I fall into. I am also blessed that I am able to teach my teenagers how to talk about their mental health and recognize when their friends are showing signs of self harm. In addition, as I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling. In regards to my decision to return back to school here is my journey: As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well! As I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling.

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well! As I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling.

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well! As I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling.

I have suffered from mental health illness since I was 12 years old. I spent over 20 years in and out of facilities and on medications. I have been off of medications and in a good state of mind for the last 10 years and it is the wildest rollercoaster I have ever encountered. I have found ways to help me process when I have very dark thoughts and I have found that exercise and yoga help me work myself out of the hole I fall into. As a nursing student I know that continuing my mental health practices is key to making through such a tough program. I find on weeks where I have heavy school and work load it is within these weeks where my diligence in caring for my mental health is the most important. I find that scheduling my workouts and time to meditate or journal is the best way to make sure I do not let it fall off my to do list. Another helpful tool I have found is allowing myself to be ok with letting my loved ones know when I am having a tough time mentally. This allows my loved ones to be patient with me in these moments and even offer a listening ear if I need it. Even if it turns out I don't want to talk about something that is heavy on me I feel like letting someone I love know means I am not internalizing my depression. I am also blessed that I am able to teach my teenagers how to talk about their mental health and recognize when their friends are showing signs of self harm. In addition, as I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling.

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well! As I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling.

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well! As I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling.

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well! As a single mother and woman in the healthcare field, I know that this is just the beginning for me. My journey thus far has inspired many women around me just to see me following through with returning to school for a nursing degree during a pandemic. Many of the mothers I work with often come to me and ask how do I juggle everything and still make sure I take care of my emotional health and ensure my kids are happy and healthy. As I listen to their concerns I always remind them that women are capable of all things! We are ambitious, driven, self sufficient, caretakers in healthcare that have nothing but potential!

Within my lifetime, I have personally have struggled with mental health since I was a little girl. I was bullied and sexually assaulted at the age of 12 and when I spoke up about it I was told I was a liar. I quickly spiraled into a mental health crisis and was admitted to a mental health facility shortly after. For the remainder of my teenage years I was in therapy and on medications. Shortly into my adulthood I was doing well balancing my mental health until I began having children. I once again battled a mental health crisis after I had a stillborn at the age of 23. I continued to spiral and was admitted 4 more times to a mental health facility after suicide attempts. I eventually was able to get the help I needed to realize that my three living children needed me more alive than not. I realized that although there was an imbalance in my brain and a hole in my heart that I owed it to them to be there for their life for as long as I was intended to be on earth. I have been in this state of mind for the last 10 years and it is the wildest rollercoaster I have ever encountered. Over the last decade, I have found ways to help me process when I have very dark thoughts and I have found that exercise and yoga help me work myself out of the hole I fall into. I am also blessed that I am able to teach my teenagers how to talk about their mental health and recognize when their friends are showing signs of self harm. I encourage them to be the change in their peer groups to talk about mental health. In addition, as I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling.

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well! I hope to pay forward this scholarship but one day having the financial means to help my children through their own college experience. The money from this scholarship will allow me to pay for the travel expenses needed to complete my clinical rotations for nursing school. The hands on experience that clinicals provide are necessary for me to become an experienced nurse.

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

I have turned my weakness into strength! I personally have struggled with chronic mental health illness since I was a little girl. I was bullied and sexually assaulted at the age of 12 and when I spoke up about it I was told I was a liar. I quickly spiraled into a mental health crisis and was admitted to a mental health facility shortly after. For the remainder of my teenage years I was in therapy and on medications. Shortly into my adulthood I was doing well balancing my mental health until I began having children. I once again battled a mental health crisis after I had a stillborn at the age of 23. I continued to spiral and was admitted 4 more times to a mental health facility after suicide attempts. I eventually was able to get the help I needed to realize that my three living children needed me more alive than not. I realized that although there was an imbalance in my brain and a hole in my heart that I owed it to them to be there for their life for as long as I was intended to be on earth. I have been in this state of mind for the last 10 years and it is the wildest rollercoaster I have ever encountered. I have found ways to help me process when I have very dark thoughts and I have found that exercise and yoga help me work myself out of the hole I fall into. I am also blessed that I am able to teach my teenagers how to talk about their mental health and recognize when their friends are showing signs of self harm. In addition, as I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare, I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in mental health of pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising mental health crisis our world is battling. My personal strength I have built gives me the opportunity to make a mark on this world and create the difference for those young and old battling chronic mental illness.

I personally have struggled with mental health since I was a little girl. I was bullied and sexually assaulted at the age of 12 and when I spoke up about it I was told I was a liar. I quickly spiraled into a mental health crisis and was admitted to a mental health facility shortly after. For the remainder of my teenage years I was in therapy and on medications. Shortly into my adulthood I was doing well balancing my mental health until I began having children. I once again battled a mental health crisis after I had a stillborn at the age of 23. I continued to spiral and was admitted 4 more times to a mental health facility after suicide attempts. I eventually was able to get the help I needed to realize that my three living children needed me more alive than not. I realized that although there was an imbalance in my brain and a hole in my heart that I owed it to them to be there for their life for as long as I was intended to be on earth. I have been in this state of mind for the last 10 years and it is the wildest rollercoaster I have ever encountered. I have found ways to help me process when I have very dark thoughts and I have found that exercise and yoga help me work myself out of the hole I fall into. I am also blessed that I am able to teach my teenagers how to talk about their mental health and recognize when their friends are showing signs of self harm. In addition, as I begin my journey into healthcare I have seen the vast need for mental health resources in the healthcare system. I am on a committee at the hospital for diversity, equity and inclusivity where we help put in place policies to ensure our patients with different mental, physical, social, and demographic differences are put aside so the proper care is recognized and received. As I enter my last year of nursing school and figure out my place in healthcare I know my heart would flourish in making a difference in pediatric patients. More specifically, I know that my heart will help guide me into helping make a difference in the rising pediatric mental health crisis our world is battling. In regards to my decision to return back to school here is my journey: As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of pediatric patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. I currently live in low income housing and do not have financial support from their father who is in prison. With cost of living rising and my wages staying the same I often fall into trouble of trying to decide how long I can make my grocery budget last so I can keep the lights on. In addition, my youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. I currently live in low income housing and do not have financial support from their father who is in prison. With cost of living rising and my wages staying the same I often fall into trouble of trying to decide how long I can make my grocery budget last so I can keep the lights on. In addition, my youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

I may not be the typical applicant for this scholarship but I hope my submission is well received. I appreciate your time and consideration of my application. I was raised by a single mother who worked 2 to 3 jobs at any given time to support the roof over our head. I was able to experience the determination and dedication it took for her to do that. I am now currently a single mom of three kids who is raising her kids alone in the world. My kids father made very selfish mistakes and is in prison for life. I did not choose to raise them myself but here I am doing the best I can. In addition, I work full time graveyard shifts in the emergency department while attending nursing school full time. I have been working so hard to complete my nursing program so I can offer the same benefits of life my mother worked to give me. I would love to have the opportunity to buy a car for my kids to use when they begin driving and help them with their college expenses when they come. Obtaining my nursing degree will allow me to earn this type of money for them to have those much deserved opportunities. I am blessed to continue to have my mom around to help me with the kids. My youngest son is also disabled and requires special care that is time consuming along with many doctors appointments. My mom is still working in her career but always offers to take time to help me with doctor appointments and sports events. She is always there on my toughest days and supports me on the days I just want to give up. I know that she is proud of me and wants me to achieve this degree for my future. Growing up my mom and I often spent time attending a fundraiser, walk-a-thon, or volunteer event we were always helping with no questions asked. I often find myself offering volunteer time even with my plate so full because she has instilled this heart of giving inside of me as well. So I know I do not live under a single parent household but I do manage a single parent household who hopes to finish her degree and provide equal opportunities to her children who live in low income housing with a single income.

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!

As a single mother of three children, I set my passion in nursing aside for many years to raise my three kids. My youngest child was born critically ill and required me to be his home health aid for many years while battling Cerebral Palsy, COPD, and Autism. While caring for him, I took on restaurant management jobs as the flexible schedule allowed me to work at night when my parents could watch my children. In the service industry, I always have enjoyed caring for others. When the Covid pandemic shut down all non-essential businesses, I decided to take the leap and signed up for pre-requisite classes at the local community college that were offered virtually. Beginning my virtual classes during the pandemic allowed me to stay home with my children during the pandemic while keeping my little one especially safe and allowed me to find an interim job at a local hospital working graveyard shifts. Transitioning from restaurants to hospital care was the confirmation I always knew would happen. I was in the midst of my childhood dream! I was now able to contribute to wonderful nurses and doctors as they powered through a pandemic and still showed compassion to their patients. I strive to some day provide the same compassion and care to my patients! Over the past four years, I have powered through pre-requisite classes and have been emerged in a BSN program for over a year now while continuing to work in Emergency Medicine. As I enter my final year of my BSN program, I am constantly reminded of my 'why'. As caring for my son is challenging, I always knew my passion to advocate for him was important and contributes to wanting to become a nurse. I want to be the nurse who advocates for their patient and helps them and their families make educated decisions on their plan of care. In working in medicine and more specifically in emergency care I want to help take care of patients and their families on their worst days. I also would love to prove to my children that I can achieve my goal of going back to school as an adult and finish my goal of becoming a nurse despite what my road looked like. I want to give them hope that even on their own difficult road, they can pursue what their passion is as well!