My Why

I used to think helping someone required grand gestures—fixing a problem instantly, having every answer, or being the strongest presence in the room. Through my family experiences and healthcare training throughout high school, I have learned that helping someone can be much quieter than that. Sometimes, it means listening, being patient, offering reassurance, and making someone feel safe during a vulnerable moment. These experiences have shaped my belief that every person deserves patient-centered care.

My connection to healthcare is deeply rooted in my family. My grandparents have been my primary guardians since my early years of life and continue to play a major role in my life today. Growing up, I watched them manage chronic health conditions and attended many doctor’s appointments with them. I saw them experience difficult moments involving diabetes, changing blood sugar levels, and, at one point, cancer. Watching them go through these challenges showed me early on how important compassionate caregivers can be.

A good caregiver does much more than complete a medical routine. They bring calmness, dignity, patience, and reassurance into a stressful room. I remember seeing nurses treat my grandparents with patience and respect, even during difficult moments. Those small acts stayed with me. They showed me that healthcare is not only about treating a condition but also about caring for the person experiencing it. Watching those nurses inspired me to learn how to care for others in the same way.

Another major source of motivation in my life is my youngest sister, Ayla. She has played an important role in shaping the person I want to become. In many families and communities, the oldest person is often viewed as the leader or the “wise” one. Ayla reminds me that sometimes the youngest person can be the one who brings unity, love, and purpose into a home.

To me, Ayla also represents the future generation. I want to protect her and be someone she can always look up to as a positive example. Watching her grow motivates me to stay disciplined and prove that big ambitions are possible through steady effort. She has also taught me that real leadership is not defined by age. It is defined by accountability, empathy, patience, and a willingness to continue learning.

I have turned these experiences and motivations into action through my healthcare education. I completed Home Health Aide training and am currently studying Practical Nursing at the Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage. Through this training, I have learned clinical skills such as taking vital signs, following safety procedures, and assisting with personal hygiene. More importantly, I have gained a deeper understanding of what patient-centered care truly means.

I have learned that physical care can lose its meaning if emotional respect is missing. Patients deserve a nurse who will take the time to listen, explain what is happening, and treat them with dignity. They deserve someone who will not rush them, speak down to them, or make them feel like a burden, regardless of their background or situation. These are the qualities I hope to bring into every patient interaction throughout my career.

My experiences have given me a clear direction for my future. I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and eventually becoming a pediatric travel nurse. I want to care for young children and support their families during moments when they may feel scared, uncertain, or overwhelmed. I want to provide the same comfort, patience, and trust that I remember seeing when my grandparents received care.

I understand that nursing is not an easy career, and I do not expect it to be. Nurses are trusted with people’s health, safety, and, in many situations, their lives. That responsibility is one of the reasons I take my education and future career seriously. My family helped me discover my “why,” and my healthcare training has given me the foundation to begin pursuing it.

 My goal is not only to earn a degree but to use that education to make a difference in the lives of children and families.

I want to become the kind of nurse people remember because of how they were treated, not just because of the care they received. I want my patients to remember that someone listened to them, respected them, and made them feel less alone. Every day, I am working toward becoming that nurse—the nurse my family inspired me to be.