After working in a county hospital since 2017, I have witnessed firsthand the profound need within underserved populations. Every day, I encounter individuals who are not only seeking medical care, but also education, guidance, and compassion during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. In these settings, care extends far beyond clinical treatment. As healthcare providers, we become part of our patients’ journeys—advocates, educators, and a consistent source of support when they need it most. These experiences have shaped my desire to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector, where the mission is rooted in service, equity, and community impact. From the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to advancing my education from a bachelor’s degree to now pursuing a master’s in nursing education, my commitment to serving vulnerable populations has only deepened. The nonprofit healthcare environment has shown me that even in the face of adversity, there is still compassion, resilience, and hope. It is within this space that I have found my purpose. I am driven to continue working in environments that prioritize patient-centered care and address the disparities that exist in access to healthcare and health education. My passion for this work became even more personal when my mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She, too, became part of the population I have long served. Experiencing the healthcare system from the perspective of a family member rather than a nurse was both humbling and eye-opening. I witnessed the profound impact that nonprofit healthcare providers had on her journey—from her initial diagnosis to oncology appointments, surgery, and radiation treatments. What stood out most was not just the clinical expertise, but the genuine compassion, attentiveness, and dedication of the healthcare team. During a time when fear and uncertainty could have overwhelmed us, the nurses and staff created an environment of hope and dignity. I saw firsthand how their care helped restore my mother’s strength—not just physically, but emotionally. Watching her spirit dim and then gradually return reinforced for me the powerful role that compassionate healthcare providers play in healing. Today, she is in remission, and her strength is a testament not only to her resilience but also to the quality of care she received. This experience solidified my commitment to becoming that source of light for others. As a future nurse educator, I hope to extend my impact beyond individual patient interactions by shaping the next generation of nurses. I want to instill in my students the importance of empathy, cultural competence, and advocacy, particularly when working with underserved communities. By educating and mentoring future nurses, I can help ensure that compassionate, equitable care continues to reach those who need it most. Ultimately, my goal in the nonprofit sector is to contribute to a healthcare system where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Through both direct patient care and education, I hope to create a lasting positive impact—one that empowers communities, reduces disparities, and brings light to those navigating their most difficult moments.

This… is Blue. He was a shelter dog. His profile picture wasn’t all that great… but whose is? I needed to see him in person. I was so excited to see him and then he totally ignored me and went straight to pee in a fake bush. At that moment I knew he was mine. He was on the list to be put down. 4 years later, he’s my best friend, my hiking buddy and he loves pup cups and car rides. We love his crazy self. He enjoys the outdoors and he deserved a second shot at life.

We grow based on our environment. We develop our strengths from our encounters, and we become the people we are by viewing and learning from others who surround us. The role model that was in my life was my grandmother. She taught me that caring was a priority to others, and even though she never specifically verbalized it, she showed it through her actions. From her, I learned the value of family and knowing when to be there for them along with others we meet. She encouraged me to love and care for those who needed it and was always there for people even when she was far away. I learned that what I wanted to do in life was to do what she showed, and so I became a nurse. I understand her actions and potential to be a nurse in which she always wanted to be. She had the ability, but due to a hard childhood she took care of her family instead. I believe that my dreams that I’ve followed are for her, and taking care of others gives me the warmth inside, and I’ve felt that my job has been completed when those are back to their health. Because of my grandma, I’ve paid her caring and compassion forward by becoming a licensed nurse, and being close to completing my RN program and I am thankful that she gave me that push to keep going even in spirit. She gave me the experience and strength in which I have now been able to use in taking care of all patients even in this time of covid. Being able to sit next to patients just to keep them comfortable has all been for her. We share the same heart and love for nursing, and I will always thank her for being my role model. I pay it forward to this day and will continue for the rest of my career.

I am THANKFUL for my mom who has been by my side through all struggles. It is hard to always remember to appreciate moms because of our everyday lives, however mine has never once failed to let me know she is there. I would not be this strong without her, and without her crazy self, I wouldn’t have balance. She accepts everything, and always seems to stay afloat through all struggles. She is my motivation to keep pushing, and allows me to vent whenever I am feeling down. She does the best she can, and for that I am thankful. For all those who have their mothers, give them a hug, and for those who do not, just know she is there watching over you.