The hospital room was quiet except for the rhythmic beeping of the monitors. I sat beside my grandfather, holding his hand as he mustered a weak smile. He had always been my pillar of strength, but now cancer had taken its toll. Watching the nurses care for him with such compassion and skill left a profound impression on me. They weren’t just tending to his medical needs they were offering dignity, comfort, and humanity during one of the most difficult times of his life. When he passed away not long ago, it was heartbreaking, but it also solidified my calling to become a nurse. I wanted to provide the same kind of care and comfort to others that those nurses had given my grandfather. His battle with cancer and the impact of his care team inspire me every day as I pursue my nursing degree at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). My grandfather’s journey with cancer showed me the critical role that compassionate and skilled healthcare providers play in a person’s life. It also revealed the challenges many families face in navigating healthcare, especially when dealing with serious illnesses. As a first-year nursing student, I am already gaining insight into the challenges and rewards of this profession. My foundational courses have introduced me to the principles of patient-centered care and the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. These lessons remind me of the care my grandfather received and how meaningful it was for our family. Learning how to combine empathy with clinical ability has only deepened my resolve to make a positive impact in this field. The combination of my academic and personal experiences has shaped my understanding of what it means to be a compassionate and effective healthcare professional. As part of the Texas Leadership Scholarship Program, I have participated in leadership workshops and community service projects that emphasize collaboration and advocacy. These experiences have taught me the importance of addressing systemic barriers in healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. For instance, during a recent volunteer event, I worked with a team to organize a health fair in a low-income neighborhood, providing families with information and resources. That experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of preventive care and the importance of creating access for vulnerable populations. Inspired by my grandfather’s story and the lessons I’ve learned through my education and service, I am determined to make a difference in the lives of others. I plan to join health-related organizations like the Student Nurses Association and engage in public health research focusing on vulnerable populations. These opportunities will allow me to grow as a healthcare provider and advocate for those who need it most. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program represents the next step in this journey, giving me the opportunity to combine my passion for nursing with cross-cultural learning. Whether through research or direct service, I hope to use this experience to address global healthcare disparities, just as I strive to honor my grandfather’s legacy by bringing comfort and care to those in need.

At 3 a.m., the realization struck that we had to exit the car. On September 3, 2023, my mom and I experienced a harrowing rollover accident that irreversibly changed my life. To describe it differently, I witnessed the incident unfold in a perplexing, surreal, and chilling manner. My mother and I were driving to our house, just like any other day. We were going down the 375 highway when we were rear-ended by another car that had been driving under the influence. Our Honda CRV was smashed to pieces upside down on the edge of the freeway. My mother was bleeding, and the front of the car had crashed on top of my legs--I couldn't feel my right leg, yet immense pain and anxiety raced through my body at the same time. The accident affected my life. It was challenging because of how it happened, but I got through it with the help of my family. I may have left the hospital with a rolled right ankle, but I also left with a greater appreciation for my family and my life. The accident taught me the value of each moment, and it ultimately transformed my life for the better. That day, I could have died. Worse, my mother could have died. The accident replays in my thoughts daily, as a constant reminder to cherish life’s every single moment. I have a set of rosary beads that I keep on the rear window of my car as a personal memory of that day. When I look at those beads, I think of my mother, I think of God, and I am sincerely grateful for where I am today. After the collision, I had a bit of difficulty driving for a while. I was curious as to why certain questions were unanswered. Why us? Why me? I took those questions and cultivated them into resentment for months. Nevertheless, that's not how it is today. I wear my scars as a badge of honor these days. Indeed, I was involved in a terrible vehicle accident, yet here I am now. It's obvious that I wasn't supposed to die that day, and I understand that my ultimate goal for being here is to further some greater good. I no longer feel self-conscious about my scars; rather, I see them as symbols of my strength, evidence that I am capable of overcoming anything. Even though I rolled my ankle in the collision, my spirit remained unbroken. If anything, it strengthened my resolve and enabled me to reach my current position. At a university, I'm looking for more than just the "top" or "best" school; I'm searching for a school that is well-established and provides opportunities for students to improve both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, I want to attend a school that encourages and pushes its pupils to achieve outstanding achievements throughout their four years. I want to attend UTEP because there are so many opportunities for first-generation Hispanic students like myself. The sheer quantity of classes and programs accessible to students is overwhelming. As a psychology major, I will be able to engage in the discovery of new knowledge about behavior and its underlying mental, social, and biological processes, such as Behavioral Neuroscience, Health Psychology, Legal Psychology, and Social Psychology. I want to attend UTEP because of its many international study programs. It can provide me with many international educational opportunities, which will contribute to my college and career success because it promotes a dynamic engagement beyond the classroom, where I, as a student, can travel and learn at the same time.