Being a first-generation, Mexican-American student fills me with immense pride and purpose. My family’s journey to this country was rooted in hope, sacrifice, and the dream of a better future. As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I carry not just my own aspirations, but also the dreams and hard work of those who came before me. My path to nursing began at home, caring for both of my parents as they faced dementia and, ultimately, hospice care. Watching their decline was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I became their advocate, comforter, and daily support, learning firsthand how crucial compassionate, skilled caregiving is for elderly and dementia patients. The nurses and hospice workers who guided us during this time showed me the profound impact of blending clinical knowledge with genuine empathy. Their kindness and expertise inspired me to pursue nursing—not just as a profession, but as a calling to give back what my family received. Caring for my parents changed me in ways I never expected. It taught me patience, resilience, and the true meaning of unconditional love. I learned to meet my parents where they were each day, honoring their dignity and individuality even as their memories faded. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the elderly and a passion for supporting families navigating the emotional challenges of dementia and end-of-life care. Through my nursing career, I hope to provide dignified, patient-centered care to elderly and dementia patients, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and valued. I want to be a source of comfort and stability for families, drawing on my own experiences to offer hope and understanding. My goal is to advocate for greater awareness and resources for dementia care within the healthcare system, and to mentor others in approaching geriatric and hospice care with compassion and patience. To carry on the values and traits of a passionate nurse, I strive to embody empathy, patience, advocacy, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I listen deeply to patients and families, honor their stories, and act with honesty and transparency in all situations. I continuously seek to expand my knowledge in geriatric and dementia care, so I can deliver the highest standard of support. By living these values, I hope to honor my parents’ legacy and inspire others to see the importance of caring for our elders with compassion and respect. I dedicate my life to nursing and helping people. I truly feel that God has called me to do this work, and I cannot wait to start my new career and make a positive difference every day. As a first-generation student, I am passionate about breaking barriers and setting a new standard for what is possible in my family. My Mexican-American identity is a source of strength and inspiration, reminding me daily of the importance of hard work, compassion, and giving back. I hope to inspire other first-generation students and members of the Latino community to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. By succeeding in higher education and becoming a nurse, I aim to open doors for others, serve as a role model, and help uplift my community—honoring both my heritage and my family’s legacy of love and perseverance.

My path to nursing began at home, caring for both of my parents as they faced dementia and, ultimately, hospice care. Watching their decline was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I became their advocate, comforter, and daily support, learning firsthand how crucial compassionate, skilled caregiving is for elderly and dementia patients. The nurses and hospice workers who guided us during this time showed me the profound impact of blending clinical knowledge with genuine empathy. Their kindness and expertise inspired me to pursue nursing—not just as a profession, but as a calling to give back what my family received. Caring for my parents changed me in ways I never expected. It taught me patience, resilience, and the true meaning of unconditional love. I learned to meet my parents where they were each day, honoring their dignity and individuality even as their memories faded. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the elderly and a passion for supporting families navigating the emotional challenges of dementia and end-of-life care. Through my nursing career, I hope to provide dignified, patient-centered care to elderly and dementia patients, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and valued. I want to be a source of comfort and stability for families, drawing on my own experiences to offer hope and understanding. My goal is to advocate for greater awareness and resources for dementia care within the healthcare system, and to mentor others in approaching geriatric and hospice care with compassion and patience. To carry on the values and traits of a passionate nurse, I strive to embody empathy, patience, advocacy, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I listen deeply to patients and families, honor their stories, and act with honesty and transparency in all situations. I continuously seek to expand my knowledge in geriatric and dementia care, so I can deliver the highest standard of support. By living these values, I hope to honor my parents’ legacy and inspire others to see the importance of caring for our elders with compassion and respect. I dedicate my life to nursing and helping people. I truly feel that God has called me to do this work, and I cannot wait to start my new career and make a positive difference every day. “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” — Psalm 91:2 (NKJV) Losing a loved one is never easy, but caring for parents with dementia brings its own unique kind of pain and purpose. In the midst of this journey, I have discovered that faith is not just a comfort—it is my true refuge, my only refuge. My Christian beliefs have become the anchor that now grounds me through the daily challenges, moments of grief, and the bittersweet joys of navigating life. Caring for mis padres as they journey through dementia has been both heartbreaking and transformative. Transformative for everyone in my familia. There are days filled with confusion, frustration, and sorrow as I witnessed the gradual fading of the people who raised me. In these moments, I often turn to God, seeking comfort and guidance. My faith reminds me that even when the path is uncertain, I am never walking it alone. Through Christianity, I have come to believe that love never truly dies—it is carried forward in every act of care, every memory shared, and every prayer whispered. As I walk this road, I trust that God’s love will continue to heal, restore, and guide me, turning even the hardest days into opportunities for grace and gratitude. I look forward to spending time studying, learning, and working hard as I embark on this life-changing path of nursing. The prospect of gaining new knowledge, developing hands-on skills, and growing both personally and professionally excites me. I am eager to immerse myself in every aspect of nursing education—from the classroom to clinical experiences—knowing that each step brings me closer to making a real difference in people’s lives. I am deeply grateful to have been given this opportunity to pursue my passion, and I am committed to making the most of it. With determination, humility, and a heart for service, I am ready to embrace the challenges and rewards that come with becoming a nurse. Thank you for your time.

My path to nursing began at home, caring for both of my parents as they faced dementia and, ultimately, hospice care. Watching their decline was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I became their advocate, comforter, and daily support, learning firsthand how crucial compassionate, skilled caregiving is for elderly and dementia patients. The nurses and hospice workers who guided us during this time showed me the profound impact of blending clinical knowledge with genuine empathy. Their kindness and expertise inspired me to pursue nursing—not just as a profession, but as a calling to give back what my family received. Caring for my parents changed me in ways I never expected. It taught me patience, resilience, and the true meaning of unconditional love. I learned to meet my parents where they were each day, honoring their dignity and individuality even as their memories faded. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the elderly and a passion for supporting families navigating the emotional challenges of dementia and end-of-life care. Through my nursing career, I hope to provide dignified, patient-centered care to elderly and dementia patients, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and valued. I want to be a source of comfort and stability for families, drawing on my own experiences to offer hope and understanding. My goal is to advocate for greater awareness and resources for dementia care within the healthcare system, and to mentor others in approaching geriatric and hospice care with compassion and patience. To carry on the values and traits of a passionate nurse, I strive to embody empathy, patience, advocacy, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I listen deeply to patients and families, honor their stories, and act with honesty and transparency in all situations. I continuously seek to expand my knowledge in geriatric and dementia care, so I can deliver the highest standard of support. By living these values, I hope to honor my parents’ legacy and inspire others to see the importance of caring for our elders with compassion and respect. I dedicate my life to nursing and helping people. I truly feel that God has called me to do this work, and I cannot wait to start my new career and make a positive difference every day. I look forward to spending time studying, learning, and working hard as I embark on this life-changing path of nursing. The prospect of gaining new knowledge, developing hands-on skills, and growing both personally and professionally excites me. I am eager to immerse myself in every aspect of nursing education—from the classroom to clinical experiences—knowing that each step brings me closer to making a real difference in people’s lives. I am deeply grateful to have been given this opportunity to pursue my passion, and I am committed to making the most of it. With determination, humility, and a heart for service, I am ready to embrace the challenges and rewards that come with becoming a nurse. Thank you for your time. Yezenia Tejeda