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Adriana Cartes

675

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1x

Finalist

Bio

My dream job after graduating from college is to become a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse. I know that life as a NICU nurse can be overwhelmingly upsetting but can be equally as rewarding to help a newborn baby and their family survive in a time that is so uncertain. This is the reason I want to be that helpful nurse that families can count on to help the doctors save their baby. I have shadowed tricky deliveries and seeing how fragile a baby looks buy how strong they are; this is the time I want to work in. I cannot wait to take care of the most fragile patients with complex medical needs. Working in neonatal care requires a high level of skill and expertise, this challenge will be deeply rewarding. Finally, NICU nursing is a profession that is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and protocols being developed all the time. This means that NICU nurses have the opportunity to learn and grow professionally throughout their careers, and to stay at the forefront of their field. Overall, being a NICU nurse is a dream job for many healthcare professionals, thanks to the opportunity to work with the most vulnerable patients, the high level of skill and expertise required, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and their families, the collaborative nature of the profession, and the opportunity for ongoing learning and professional growth.

Education

Texas Woman's University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Lone Star College System

Associate's degree program
2019 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Human Biology

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

    • educator

      lululemon
      2021 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Soccer

    Club
    2019 – Present5 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Lakewood Church — Youth leader
      2019 – 2022

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Noble E. Gagucas Nursing Scholarship
    I plan on going into the nursing field. I want to be a pediatric ICU, or intensive care unit nurse. The reason I am interested in this field is because I have a love for children’s and helping parents. I know that I will make a difference in the world of my patients. Pediatric intensive care unit nurses are responsible for the severely ill children in a hospital. This is an emotionally taxing job. PICU nursing is equally rewarding as it is taxing. Growing up my brother was always in and out of the hospital and as a child I only knew he was sick, not how severe it was. The nurses came and cared for my brother with kindness and warmth. My family and I saw the same nursing staff and over time relationships grew. The nurses not only ensured that my brother was okay medically they also made sure my family and I were okay emotionally. I will have the same dedication to the families of my patients. My brother, Marco and I missed a lot a childhood milestones at school. Marco and I are only a year apart. When Marco and I missed our pre-k play that we were looking forward to. The nurses encouraged us to perform our parts for them during a check up; we performed our two person play happily. The nurses were our biggest fans while also being the meticulous caregivers they were. This is a memory my brother and I will never forget. The nurses made a difference in our lives. There is a process of becoming a PICU nurse. I must first get accepted into an accredited nursing program. Through my nursing program I will gain experience through clinical hours and practice. After nursing school come the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX is the nursing credential exam. After passing the NCLEX I can work as an RN in the ICU or in pediatric spaces. After gaining two years of experience I can then seek credentials by exam to become more specialized. I am currently in my first year of nursing school. I have a desire to attend a study abroad this summer in Argentina. The program I am applying to will teach me medical Spanish as well as count towards my clinical hours because I will be doing rotations in a clinic. My cultural background is Latin American and Spanish speaking. While my spanish knowledge is on an intermediate level, I know almost no medical terms in Spanish. I want to be able to help as many patients as possible. Living in Houston, Texas a large majority of the propilenos I meet are Spanish speaking and half of those only speak Spanish. I do not want language to be the reason somebody does not get the care they need. PICU nurses hold a lot of responsibility and knowledge in their field. I will do everything that it takes to be the best nurse I can be. I have the ambition required to climb the ladder of nursing to obtain my dream career. I have the compassion that it takes to make a difference in the world in small and big ways.
    Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship
    I plan on going into the nursing field. I want to be a pediatric ICU, or intensive care unit nurse. The reason I am interested in this field is because I have a love for children’s and helping parents. Pediatric intensive care unit nurses are responsible for the severely ill children in a hospital. This is an emotionally taxing job. PICU nursing is equally rewarding as it is taxing. Growing up my brother was always in and out of the hospital and as a child I only knew he was sick, not how severe it was. The nurses came and cared for my brother with kindness and warmth. My family and I saw the same nursing staff and over time relationships grew. The nurses not only ensured that my brother was okay medically they also made sure my family and I were okay emotionally. My brother, Marco and I missed a lot a childhood milestones at school. Marco and I are only a year apart. When Marco and I missed our pre-k play that we were looking forward to. The nurses encouraged us to perform our parts for them during a check up; we performed our two person play happily. The nurses were our biggest fans while also being the meticulous caregivers they were. This was a core memory for my brother and I. There is a process of becoming a PICU nurse. I must first get accepted into an accredited nursing program. Through my nursing program I will gain experience through clinical hours and practice. After nursing school come the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX is the nursing credential exam. After passing the NCLEX I can work as an RN in the ICU or in pediatric spaces. After gaining two years of experience I can then seek credentials by exam to become more specialized. I am currently in my first year of nursing school. I have a desire to attend a study abroad this summer in Argentina. The program I am applying to will teach me medical Spanish as well as count towards my clinical hours because I will be doing rotations in a clinic. My cultural background is Latin American and Spanish speaking. While my spanish knowledge is on an intermediate level, I know almost no medical terms in Spanish. I want to be able to help as many patients as possible. Living in Houston, Texas a large majority of the propilenos I meet are Spanish speaking and half of those only speak Spanish. I do not want language to be the reason somebody does not get the care they need. PICU nurses hold a lot of responsibility and knowledge in their field. I will do everything that it takes to be the best nurse I can be. I have the ambition required to climb the ladder of nursing to obtain my dream career.
    Fuerza y Ganas Scholarship
    Growing up in a Hispanic community, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes that often affect marginalized communities. I saw family members and friends struggle to access basic healthcare services due to lack of insurance or limited resources, and I was deeply affected by the toll that these disparities took on individuals and families. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field, as I recognized the critical need for compassionate and skilled healthcare providers who can bridge these gaps and help to improve health outcomes for all individuals. I was particularly drawn to the nursing profession, as I saw the potential for nurses to play a central role in providing holistic and patient-centered care that addresses not only physical health needs, but also social and emotional factors that impact overall well-being. As I pursued my nursing education, I sought out opportunities to give back to the Hispanic community and other underserved populations. I volunteered at local clinics and community health events, providing education and resources on topics such as diabetes management, prenatal care, and mental health. Through these experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of culturally competent care, and I learned to listen to and honor the unique needs and perspectives of each patient. In the future, I plan to continue to give back to the Hispanic community through my nursing practice and advocacy efforts. I believe that one of the most powerful ways to address health disparities is to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for their own health and well-being. To this end, I plan to work in underserved communities, providing education and resources on preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health. I also plan to advocate for policies and practices that promote health equity and access to care for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. I believe that nurses have a critical role to play in shaping healthcare policy and practice, and I am committed to using my voice and expertise to advocate for policies that address social determinants of health and advance health equity. In summary, my inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field was rooted in my desire to give back to the Hispanic community and other marginalized populations. Through my nursing practice and advocacy efforts, I plan to continue to work towards health equity and social justice, and to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
    Texas Women Empowerment Scholarship
    As an individual who is deeply committed to promoting gender equity and social justice, (not only from a moral but also personal point of view) I am motivated to confront gender disparity in Texas because I believe that every person, regardless of their gender, deserves equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. Gender disparities can manifest in a variety of ways, from unequal pay and limited career advancement opportunities to gender-based violence and harassment. These issues can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting access to education, healthcare, and other essential resources. My motivation to confront gender disparity in Texas is rooted in my belief in the inherent value and dignity of every human being, and my commitment to creating a more just and equitable society. By raising awareness about these issues, advocating for policy changes, and working to empower individuals and communities, I believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless Texans. Through my education and training, I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide expert care that is grounded in best practices and informed by the unique needs and experiences of each patient. I will also be empowered to advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equity in healthcare, such as increasing access to reproductive healthcare services and addressing gender-based violence and harassment. In my future career as a nurse, I hope to serve as a compassionate and skilled caregiver who is committed to advancing gender equity and social justice. Whether through direct patient care, community engagement, or policy advocacy, I believe that I can make a meaningful impact on gender disparity and help to create a more just and equitable world for all individuals. I am acutely aware of the ways in which social and economic disparities can impact individuals and communities, and I am committed to using my education and skills to advance social justice and equity in all areas of life. Whether through research, policy advocacy, or community engagement, I believe that we all have a role to play in confronting gender disparity in Texas and beyond, and in creating a world where every person can thrive and achieve their full potential.I hope to use my degree and future career as a nurse to promote gender equity in healthcare and beyond, and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities affected by gender disparities.
    Brandon Tyler Castinado Memorial Scholarship
    When I become a nurse I will be passionate about working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), my mission is to provide exceptional, patient-centered care to critically ill newborns and their families. Through my dedication to the principles of evidence-based practice and continuous learning, I strive to uphold the highest standards of nursing practice and to make a positive difference in the lives of my patients and their families. As a NICU nurse, I understand the critical role I play in the lives of these fragile newborns and their families. My mission is to provide expert nursing care that supports the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of each infant, while also offering compassionate support and education to their families during what can be an incredibly challenging time. I believe that teamwork is essential to providing the best possible care, and I am committed to collaborating closely with physicians, respiratory therapists, and other members of the healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each patient. I also believe that patient safety is paramount, and I am dedicated to following strict infection control protocols and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment that promotes healing and growth. It is my dream job after graduating from college is to become a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse. I know that life as a NICU nurse can be overwhelmingly upsetting but can be equally as rewarding to help a newborn baby and their family survive in a time that is so uncertain. This is the reason I want to be that helpful nurse that families can count on to help the doctors save their baby. I have shadowed tricky deliveries and seeing how fragile a baby looks by how strong they are; this is the time I want to work in. I cannot wait to take care of the most fragile patients with complex medical needs. Working in neonatal care requires a high level of skill and expertise, this challenge will be deeply rewarding. Finally, NICU nursing is a profession that is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and protocols being developed all the time. This means that NICU nurses have the opportunity to learn and grow professionally throughout their careers, and to stay at the forefront of their field. In summary, my mission as a NICU nurse is to provide exceptional, evidence-based care that supports the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of critically ill newborns and their families, while also upholding the highest standards of nursing practice and working collaboratively with the healthcare team to achieve the best possible outcomes for each patient.
    Rose Browne Memorial Scholarship for Nursing
    As I reflect on my life experiences, I am struck by how they have shaped my decision to pursue nursing as a career. From a young age, I was drawn to caring for others and found joy in helping people who were sick or in need. As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the many challenges that individuals and families face when dealing with illness, injury, or disability. This awareness, combined with my desire to make a difference in the lives of others, led me to consider a career in nursing. In particular, I have been inspired by the many nurses who have cared for me or my loved ones during times of illness or injury. Their kindness, compassion, and expertise have been truly remarkable, and have made a profound impact on my life. I have also been struck by the incredible diversity of patients and families that nurses work with on a daily basis, and the many different settings in which nursing care is provided. Throughout my life, I have also been drawn to the sciences, and have enjoyed learning about biology, chemistry, and other related fields. I believe that nursing offers a unique opportunity to combine my interests in science and healthcare with my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. My dream job after graduating from college is to become a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse. I know that life as a NICU nurse can be overwhelmingly upsetting but can be equally as rewarding to help a newborn baby and their family survive in a time that is so uncertain. This is the reason I want to be that helpful nurse that families can count on to help doctors save their babies. I have shadowed tricky deliveries and seen how fragile a baby looks by how strong they are; this is the time I want to work in. I cannot wait to take care of the most fragile patients with complex medical needs. Working in neonatal care requires a high level of skill and expertise, this challenge will be deeply rewarding. Finally, NICU nursing is a profession that is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and protocols being developed all the time. This means that NICU nurses have the opportunity to learn and grow professionally throughout their careers and to stay at the forefront of their field. In summary, my life experiences have influenced my decision to choose nursing as a career by instilling in me a deep appreciation for the role that nurses play in caring for patients and families, and by inspiring me to make a positive difference in the lives of others.