Facing adversity has been a defining aspect of my life, shaping me into the resilient and determined individual I am today. Growing up in a challenging environment with a single immigrant mother, I quickly learned that financial constraints and a lack of educational precedent could be significant obstacles. Neither of my parents had completed high school or pursued college, making the idea of higher education seem like an unattainable dream. Despite this, I was determined to break the mold and forge a different path for myself. As the second oldest among five younger sisters, I naturally took on a caregiving role, especially when my siblings fell ill. These experiences kindled my desire to become a nurse, yet self-doubt and never feeling smart enough led me to consider other, seemingly easier, options after high school. I put my dream of nursing on hold. The turning point came in 2020 when my middle child, Brighton, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of five. This period was fraught with numerous doctor's appointments and neurological consultations, creating a profound emotional and logistical challenge for our family. Amid this adversity, the compassion and expertise of the nurses who cared for Brighton stood out, reigniting my long-held aspiration to become a nurse. As a military family that relocates every 2-3 years, pursuing a nursing career seemed almost impossible. However, the adversity we faced with Brighton's health crisis instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose. I realized I needed to overcome my doubts for myself and my children. I wanted to demonstrate to them that personal or societal challenges should never deter them from their dreams. Determined to give my children a different narrative, I embraced the challenge of pursuing a nursing degree despite the odds. This journey taught me the value of resilience and the importance of holding onto one's dreams, no matter how distant they may seem. I wanted to show my children and others within the Hispanic community with similar backgrounds that any dream is achievable with determination and hard work. My goal is to become a pediatric neurology nurse, a role that will allow me to provide the same level of compassionate care and support that my family received. I aspire to be a comforting presence for families facing similar struggles, offering empathy, knowledge, and a shoulder to lean on. Additionally, I am committed to serving the Hispanic community by bridging linguistic and cultural gaps, ensuring that no family feels isolated or uninformed. The adversity I faced has not only shaped my career aspirations but also my character. It has instilled a profound sense of empathy and a relentless drive to help others. By overcoming these challenges, I have learned that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth and transformation. It has prepared me to face future obstacles with courage and determination, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My advice is this: no matter how hard or what challenges you might face, keep trying. You are smart enough, capable, and never too old. Si se puede!

Growing up in a challenging environment with a single immigrant mother, the notion of pursuing education beyond high school seemed distant due to financial constraints and the lack of familial precedent. Neither of my parents had completed high school or pursued college, leaving me to navigate unfamiliar territory independently. However, determined to defy the odds and not succumb to the fate of becoming just another statistic, I resolved to chart a different course for myself. As the second oldest among five younger sisters, I naturally assumed a caregiving role, mainly when my younger sisters fell ill. Whether tending to their needs or assisting my mother, these experiences instilled a deep-seated desire to pursue nursing. Despite this aspiration, self-doubt and the feeling of not being smart enough often crept in, leading me to explore alternative paths after High School graduation. It was not until the year 2020, when my middle child, Brighton, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of five, that my perspective underwent a profound shift. Amid countless doctor's appointments and neurological consultations, the compassionate care nurses provided left an indelible impression on me. Suddenly, my long-abandoned dream of becoming a nurse resurfaced with newfound clarity and purpose. I was now a mother of three and a military wife. Given our frequent relocations, the prospect of pursuing a nursing degree seemed impossible for me as a part of a military family. However, this time felt different; I found myself driven by a powerful motivator—my children. I refused to let them grow up believing their dreams were out of reach due to perceived inadequacies or cultural barriers. I wanted to set an example for my children and the Hispanic community at large, demonstrating that aspirations know no bounds. My vision is clear: to specialize as a pediatric neurology nurse, providing the same level of compassionate care and support my family received during Brighton's diagnosis. I aspire to be a beacon of comfort for families navigating similar journeys, offering a shoulder to lean on during difficult times and serving as a knowledgeable resource. Moreover, I am committed to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps within the Hispanic community, ensuring that no family feels alone or uninformed in the face of adversity. My journey from doubt to determination has equipped me with a profound sense of purpose. By embracing my calling as a nurse, I hope to fulfill a lifelong dream and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly pediatric patients within the Hispanic community.

I want to start by thanking Eric Brandon for his service to our country. What an incredible hero! My name is Yessenia Bailey, and I am a proud first-generation Mexican American. I am also a very proud Army wife. My husband has been serving our country for 13 years, all of which we have been married for. I am also a mom to three beautiful children, ages 10, 8, and 3 years old. As a military wife, it has been a challenge to maintain a good career throughout these years. We have moved over nine times in the 13 years that my husband has been serving in the Army. We are a month away from making our tenth move to Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he will serve for the 101st Airborne Division. I have always dreamed of being a nurse and helping others, but we have always been in the middle of a move or didn’t have the money to pursue a nursing degree. The stars have finally aligned for me, and I have applied to Austin Peay State University and been accepted. I wish to pursue a career in labor and delivery and ultimately become a midwife. I am passionate about the female body and the incredible changes it goes through when we carry and deliver human beings. I would also love to work with children, specifically in the neurology department. My 8-year-old daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 5 years old. During the process, the nurses were incredible and left a lasting impression on me. I want to be one of these nurses. I want to leave a lasting impact on the families that receive these unfortunate diagnoses. This is a hard time for families, and being able to relate to and support them would be amazing. I truly believe that God has led me to be a nurse and aligned everything in my path to do so. I am 34 years old and finally have the chance to make my dreams come true. I will work hard for myself but, most importantly, for my children. I want to teach them that even though we may be minorities, nothing is impossible. Even though we face all odds as a continuously moving military family, it is still possible. Even without family support, we can still thrive within our Army community. Even with children, we are still capable. Even as older students, we can still achieve our goals. ¡Sí se puede!