Graduating May 2024 with a weighted GPA of 4.46, I placed in the top 10 of students among my senior class at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg, FL. I attended the Academy of Finance program which provided me invaluable information both personally and professionally. My high school scholastic record speaks volumes for what she I’m capable of. Not only did I excel academically but I was viewed as a leader among my classmates. I was the secretary of the National Honor Society, an active member of Future Business Leaders of America placing in district competition advancing to state competition for 3 years in a row and played softball throughout high school. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both her Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. With a passion in becoming a nurse anesthetist, I was accepted to the Freshman Nursing Pathway at the University of South Florida anticipated to graduate May 2028. The fight for my mental health began during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did my social connections. This absolutely devastated me and because of the isolation, my social anxiety increased. When I returned to school during my sophomore year of high school, I was petrified. My first day of high school in person was horrifying. I felt lost, disconnected from society, and hopeless. From the guidance of my parents, I sought professional help. As I began the healing aspect of my journey, I found it meaningful to surround myself with supportive people. Connecting with others who had similar interests as well as regular exercise helped me to overcome my social anxiety. I joined two softball teams which enabled me to build the confidence in myself while supporting my team. Cross training with cycling and strength classes has also allowed me to continue to release serotonin making my mental health a priority. Recognizing mental health is the first step in one’s journey to healing. As I venture around a new campus this fall, I understand putting my emotional and physical health at the forefront is a key to succeeding in college and in life. Just like attending classes on a regular basis, I have committed to establishing a regular gym routine and consistent workout regimen. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best person possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met my people that encourage me to perform my best.

Graduating May 2024 with a weighted GPA of 4.46, I placed in the top 10 of students among my senior class at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg, FL. I attended the Academy of Finance program which provided me invaluable information both personally and professionally. My high school scholastic record speaks volumes for what she I’m capable of. Not only did I excel academically but I was viewed as a leader among my classmates. I was the secretary of the National Honor Society, an active member of Future Business Leaders of America placing in district competition advancing to state competition for 3 years in a row and played softball throughout high school. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both her Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. With a passion in becoming a nurse anesthetist, I was accepted to the Freshman Nursing Pathway at the University of South Florida anticipated to graduate May 2028. The fight for my mental health began during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did my social connections. This absolutely devastated me and because of the isolation, my social anxiety increased. When I returned to school during my sophomore year of high school, I was petrified. My first day of high school in person was horrifying. I felt lost, disconnected from society, and hopeless. From the guidance of my parents, I sought professional help. As I began the healing aspect of my journey, I found it meaningful to surround myself with supportive people. Connecting with others who had similar interests as well as regular exercise helped me to overcome my social anxiety. I joined two softball teams which enabled me to build the confidence in myself while supporting my team. Cross training with cycling and strength classes has also allowed me to continue to release serotonin making my mental health a priority. Recognizing mental health is the first step in one’s journey to healing. As I venture around a new campus this fall, I understand putting my emotional and physical health at the forefront is a key to succeeding in college and in life. Just like attending classes on a regular basis, I have committed to establishing a regular gym routine and consistent workout regimen. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best person possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met my people that encourage me to perform my best.

My name is Haley Thompson. I’m a freshman at the University of South Florida in the Freshman Nursing Pathway track. Graduating May 2024 from the Academy of Finance at Northeast High school with a weighted GPA of 4.46, I placed in the top 10 of students in my class of 349 students. My high school scholastic record speaks volumes for what I’m capable of & currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I was the secretary of the National Honor Society, an active member of Future Business Leaders of America placing in district competition advancing to state competition for 3 years in a row, a lifetime Girl Scout member achieving my Gold Award while working part-time and playing softball. Recently my hometown of St. Petersburg Florida faced unfortunate & horrific devastation from Hurricanes Helene & Milton this fall. There have been many weekends that I’ve returned home to assist my community with recovery efforts. From the loss of homes to need for basic supplies, I have been honored in assisting with the volunteer efforts. From assisting with clean-ups to collecting and distributing supplies, it made me realize even simple exchanges with a smile can provide a positive outlook when so many are faced with negative challenges. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Girl Scouts are known for their high standards in developing skills to become confident and courageous individuals. Over the past ten years, it’s created a positive environment forming healthy relationships for me to grow as a person. Furthermore, it has provided multiple volunteer and leadership experiences to impact the community around me. Girl Scouts provided me with a strong framework from a young age in becoming a future leader of society. It’s helped to mold me into the humble person I am while focusing on making the world a better place. Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is not only a profession but a calling to serve others. Becoming a registered nurse feels natural. It’s where my path is destined to lead me. It will require commitment, adaptability, and growth in providing the highest level of care. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those facing a terminal condition. From a young age, I often looked up to my mom and her role as a nurse practitioner. Listening to stories told of her experiences and watching her interact with family members who have serious health conditions, has left me with a passion to make a difference in the lives of others as well. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Ideally, I would like to work in an intensive care unit gaining experience to return for my master’s degree with the goal of being a nurse anesthetist. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” (1) Making the world a better place isn’t a simple task. However, that’s one of the main mottos of a Girl Scout, to make a difference in the world. Founder Juliette Gordon Low once said, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers” (2). When she created Girl Scouts, she envisioned girls across the world impacting society for the better. Being a Girl Scout for more than ten years has allowed me to gain the leadership needed to be impactful and make the world a better place. When the phrase Girl Scouts is mentioned, most people immediately think of cookies. However, the organization is much more than that. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through the Girl Scout promise to “help people at all times” (3). Girl Scouts are known for their high standards in developing skills to become confident and courageous. Over the past ten years, it’s created a positive environment forming healthy relationships for me to grow as a person. Furthermore, it has provided multiple volunteer and leadership experiences to impact the community around me. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. Recently I was accepted to the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL and started my collegiate studies. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify and can’t wait to accomplish my aspiration to become a nurse anesthetist! References: 1. Newsweek. (2020, May 7). National Nurses Week Quotes: 17 Sayings to Honor Front-Line Workers https://www.newsweek.com/national-nurses-week-quotes-17-sayings-honor-front-line-workers-1502402 2. https://scoutingweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PDF/Juliette%20Low%20Quotes%20Sheet.pdf 3. GSUSA_BlueBook.pdf (girlscouts.org)

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” (1) Making the world a better place isn’t a simple task. However, that’s one of the main mottos of a Girl Scout, to make a difference in the world. Founder Juliette Gordon Low once said, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers” (2). When she created Girl Scouts, she envisioned girls across the world impacting society for the better. Being a Girl Scout for more than ten years has allowed me to gain the leadership needed to be impactful and make the world a better place. When the phrase Girl Scouts is mentioned, most people immediately think of cookies. However, the organization is much more than that. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through the Girl Scout promise to “help people at all times” (3). Girl Scouts are known for their high standards in developing skills to become confident and courageous. Over the past ten years, it’s created a positive environment forming healthy relationships for me to grow as a person. Furthermore, it has provided multiple volunteer and leadership experiences to impact the community around me. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. Recently I was accepted to the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL and have started my collegiate studies. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify and can’t wait to accomplish my aspiration to become a nurse anesthetist! References: 1. Newsweek. (2020, May 7). National Nurses Week Quotes: 17 Sayings to Honor Front-Line Workers https://www.newsweek.com/national-nurses-week-quotes-17-sayings-honor-front-line-workers-1502402 2. https://scoutingweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PDF/Juliette%20Low%20Quotes%20Sheet.pdf 3. GSUSA_BlueBook.pdf (girlscouts.org)

The room was bustling with excitement during the afternoon session of bowling at Bay Pines Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center. Sitting amongst other retired soldiers, an older delicate 93-year-old was sitting hunched forward in his wheelchair. Stoically taking in his surroundings, his forehead covered deep in wrinkles with thinning grey hair atop his head. Too weak, too frail to return to independent living, he is here to make the most out of what is left with the rest of his life. This solidified my passion to serve others that so humbly had served us. After my softball season ended, volunteering at the VA was encouraged to gain experience while pursuing my nursing degree. Little did I know the impact it would have on me. While most of my high school friends left the school day heading home to surf Instagram, I found personal contentment giving back to those who once served our nation. Tasked with the daily recreational activities from bowling to bingo, interacting with Veterans provided me joy and personal satisfaction. Leaving the facility after hours of engaging with them, motivated me as an individual knowing I was leaving an imprint on them as well. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. This fall, I will be starting my next chapter, pursuing a nursing career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Graduating May 2024 with a weighted GPA of 4.46, I placed in the top 10 of students among my senior class at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg, FL. I attended the Academy of Finance program which provided me invaluable information both personally and professionally. My high school scholastic record speaks volumes for what she I’m capable of. Not only did I excel academically but I was viewed as a leader among my classmates. I was the secretary of the National Honor Society, an active member of Future Business Leaders of America placing in district competition advancing to state competition for 3 years in a row and played softball throughout high school. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both her Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. With a passion in becoming a nurse anesthetist, I was accepted to the Freshman Nursing Pathway at the University of South Florida anticipated to graduate May 2028. The fight for my mental health began during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did my social connections. This absolutely devastated me and because of the isolation, my social anxiety increased. When I returned to school during my sophomore year of high school, I was petrified. My first day of high school in person was horrifying. I felt lost, disconnected from society, and hopeless. From the guidance of my parents, I sought professional help. As I began the healing aspect of my journey, I found it meaningful to surround myself with supportive people. Connecting with others who had similar interests as well as regular exercise helped me to overcome my social anxiety. I joined two softball teams which enabled me to build the confidence in myself while supporting my team. Cross training with cycling and strength classes has also allowed me to continue to release serotonin making my mental health a priority. Recognizing mental health is the first step in one’s journey to healing. As I venture around a new campus this fall, I understand putting my emotional and physical health at the forefront is a key to succeeding in college and in life. Just like attending classes on a regular basis, I have committing to establishing a regular gym routine and consistent workout regimen. As time permits, I plan to investigate other social opportunities as they arise. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best person possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met my people that encourage me to perform my best.

The room was bustling with excitement during the afternoon session of bowling at Bay Pines Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center. Sitting amongst other retired soldiers, an older delicate 93-year-old was sitting hunched forward in his wheelchair. Stoically taking in his surroundings, his forehead covered deep in wrinkles with thinning grey hair atop his head. Too weak, too frail to return to independent living, he is here to make the most out of what is left with the rest of his life. This solidified my passion to serve others that so humbly had served us. After my softball season ended, volunteering at the VA was encouraged to gain experience while pursuing my nursing degree. Little did I know the impact it would have on me. While most of my high school friends left the school day heading home to surf Instagram, I found personal contentment giving back to those who once served our nation. Tasked with the daily recreational activities from bowling to bingo, interacting with Veterans provided me joy and personal satisfaction. Leaving the facility after hours of engaging with them, motivated me as an individual knowing I was leaving an imprint on them as well. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. This fall, I will be starting my next chapter, pursuing a nursing career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Making the world a better place isn’t a simple task. However, that’s one of the main mottos of a Girl Scout, to make a difference in the world. Founder Juliette Gordon Low once said “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers” (1). When she created Girl Scouts, she envisioned girls across the world impacting society for the better. Being a Girl Scout for 10+ years has allowed me to gain the leadership needed to be impactful and make the world a better place. When the phrase Girl Scouts is mentioned, most people immediately think of cookies. However, the organization is much more than that. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through the Girl Scout promise to “help people at all times”(2) . Girl Scouts is known for their high standards in developing skills to become confident and courageous individuals. Over the past ten years, it’s created a positive environment forming healthy relationships for me to grow as a person. Furthermore, it has provided multiple volunteer and leadership experiences to impact the community around me. As the Secretary of the Girl Advisory Board for my service unit, I’ve organized community service opportunities. During the COVID pandemic, we collected items to make “Birthday bags” for an organization called The Kind Mouse. Over the years we’ve supported The Lion’s Club by collecting eyeglasses for their Recycle for Sight Program, impacting vision across the world. To this day, I’ve collected beyond 250 pairs of eyeglasses. Most recently, I completed my Gold Award “Badge in a Box,” which is the highest award a Scout can receive. During the COVID pandemic, the youth turned to online platforms for socialization due to deteriorated personal connections. Therefore, the Badge in a Box project was created to promote getting outside away from screens while socializing with others in nature. Two prototype boxes were placed at a local Girl Scout camp and another at a local leadership center. Designed to be done outdoors, the project has step-by-step instructions to complete age-appropriate activities in three categories: Art, Science and the Ecosystem. Two different online resources were made to provide free sustainable resources. Furthermore, the project was also promoted at community centers across the nation in places like the library and nature preserves. Overall, this has reached over 2100 international Girl Scout leaders and parents! Girl Scouts provided me with a strong framework from a young age for becoming a future leader of society. It’s helped to mold me into the humble person I am while focusing on making the world a better place. As I embark on my next chapter of pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others through nursing. As the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community, as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. References: 1. https://scoutingweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PDF/Juliette%20Low%20Quotes%20Sheet.pdf 2. GSUSA_BlueBook.pdf (girlscouts.org)

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. This fall I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. This fall I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. This fall I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world.

Making the world a better place isn’t a simple task. However, that’s one of the main mottos of a Girl Scout, to make a difference in the world. Founder Juliette Gordon Low once said, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers” (1). When she created Girl Scouts, she envisioned girls across the world impacting society for the better. Being a Girl Scout for more than ten years has allowed me to gain the leadership needed to be impactful and make the world a better place. When the phrase Girl Scouts is mentioned, most people immediately think of cookies. However, the organization is much more than that. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through the Girl Scout promise to “help people at all times” (2). Girl Scouts are known for their high standards in developing skills to become confident and courageous. Over the past ten years, it’s created a positive environment forming healthy relationships for me to grow as a person. Furthermore, it has provided multiple volunteer and leadership experiences to impact the community around me. As the Secretary of the Girl Advisory Board for my service unit, I’ve organized several local community service opportunities for the girl scouts in our area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we held a drive supporting an organization called “The Kind Mouse” by collecting items to make birthday for children in need. We successfully orchestrated local beach cleanups. We supported The Lion’s Club yearly by collecting eyeglasses for their Recycle for Sight Program, impacting vision across the world. To this day, I’ve collected beyond 250 pairs of eyeglasses. Most recently, I completed my Gold Award, the Badge in a Box, which is the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children and teenagers turned to online platforms for socialization due to deteriorated personal connections. Therefore, the Badge in a Box project was created to promote getting outside and away from screens while socializing with others in nature. Two prototype boxes were placed at a local Girl Scout camp and another at a local leadership center. Designed to be done outdoors, the project has step-by-step instructions to complete age-appropriate activities in three categories: Art, Space and the Ecosystem. Two different online resources were made to provide free sustainable resources. Furthermore, the project was also promoted at community centers across the nation in places like the library and nature preserves. Overall, this has reached over 2000 international Girl Scout leaders and parents! As the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community, as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Girl Scouts provided me with a strong framework from a young age for becoming a future leader of society. It’s helped to mold me into the humble person I am while focusing on making the world a better place. As I embark on my next chapter of pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others through nursing.

Making the world a better place isn’t a simple task. However, that’s one of the main mottos of a Girl Scout, to make a difference in the world. Founder Juliette Gordon Low once said, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers” (1). When she created Girl Scouts, she envisioned girls across the world impacting society for the better. Being a Girl Scout for more than ten years has allowed me to gain the leadership needed to be impactful and make the world a better place. When the phrase Girl Scouts is mentioned, most people immediately think of cookies. However, the organization is much more than that. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through the Girl Scout promise to “help people at all times” (2). Girl Scouts are known for their high standards in developing skills to become confident and courageous. Over the past ten years, it’s created a positive environment forming healthy relationships for me to grow as a person. Furthermore, it has provided multiple volunteer and leadership experiences to impact the community around me. As the Secretary of the Girl Advisory Board for my service unit, I’ve organized several local community service opportunities for the girl scouts in our area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we held a drive supporting an organization called “The Kind Mouse” by collecting items to make birthday for children in need. We successfully orchestrated local beach cleanups. We supported The Lion’s Club yearly by collecting eyeglasses for their Recycle for Sight Program, impacting vision across the world. To this day, I’ve collected beyond 250 pairs of eyeglasses. Most recently, I completed my Gold Award, the Badge in a Box, which is the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children and teenagers turned to online platforms for socialization due to deteriorated personal connections. Therefore, the Badge in a Box project was created to promote getting outside and away from screens while socializing with others in nature. Two prototype boxes were placed at a local Girl Scout camp and another at a local leadership center. Designed to be done outdoors, the project has step-by-step instructions to complete age-appropriate activities in three categories: Art, Space and the Ecosystem. Two different online resources were made to provide free sustainable resources. Furthermore, the project was also promoted at community centers across the nation in places like the library and nature preserves. Overall, this has reached over 2000 international Girl Scout leaders and parents! As the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community, as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Girl Scouts provided me with a strong framework from a young age for becoming a future leader of society. It’s helped to mold me into the humble person I am while focusing on making the world a better place. As I embark on my next chapter of pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others through nursing.

The room was bustling with excitement during the afternoon session of bowling at Bay Pines Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center. Sitting amongst other retired soldiers, an older delicate 93-year-old was sitting hunched forward in his wheelchair. Stoically taking in his surroundings, his forehead covered deep in wrinkles with thinning grey hair atop his head. Too weak, too frail to return to independent living, he is here to make the most out of what is left with the rest of his life. This solidified my passion to serve others that so humbly had served us. After my softball season ended, volunteering at the VA was encouraged to gain experience while pursuing my nursing degree. Little did I know the impact it would have on me. While most of my high school friends left the school day heading home to surf Instagram, I found personal contentment giving back to those who once served our nation. Tasked with the daily recreational activities from bowling to bingo, interacting with Veterans provided me joy and personal satisfaction. Leaving the facility after hours of engaging with them, motivated me as an individual knowing I was leaving an imprint on them as well. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. This fall, I will be starting my next chapter, pursuing a nursing career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” (1) Making the world a better place isn’t a simple task. However, that’s one of the main mottos of a Girl Scout, to make a difference in the world. Founder Juliette Gordon Low once said, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers” (2). When she created Girl Scouts, she envisioned girls across the world impacting society for the better. Being a Girl Scout for more than ten years has allowed me to gain the leadership needed to be impactful and make the world a better place. When the phrase Girl Scouts is mentioned, most people immediately think of cookies. However, the organization is much more than that. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through the Girl Scout promise to “help people at all times” (3). Girl Scouts are known for their high standards in developing skills to become confident and courageous. Over the past ten years, it’s created a positive environment forming healthy relationships for me to grow as a person. Furthermore, it has provided multiple volunteer and leadership experiences to impact the community around me. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. This fall, I will be start the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify and can’t wait to accomplish my aspiration to become a nurse anesthetist! References: 1. Newsweek. (2020, May 7). National Nurses Week Quotes: 17 Sayings to Honor Front-Line Workers https://www.newsweek.com/national-nurses-week-quotes-17-sayings-honor-front-line-workers-1502402 2. https://scoutingweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PDF/Juliette%20Low%20Quotes%20Sheet.pdf 3. GSUSA_BlueBook.pdf (girlscouts.org)

The room was bustling with excitement during the afternoon session of bowling at Bay Pines Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center. Sitting amongst other retired soldiers, an older delicate 93-year-old was sitting hunched forward in his wheelchair. Stoically taking in his surroundings, his forehead covered deep in wrinkles with thinning grey hair atop his head. Too weak, too frail to return to independent living, he is here to make the most out of what is left with the rest of his life. This solidified my passion to serve others that so humbly had served us. Volunteering at the VA was a suggestion of my parents when I was looking to fulfil free time after the softball season had ended. Little did I know the impact it would have on me. While most of my high school friends left the school day heading home to surf Instagram, I found personal contentment volunteering at my local VA. Tasked with the daily recreational activities from bowling to bingo, interacting with Veterans provided me joy and personal contentment. Leaving the facility after hours of engaging with them, motivated me as an individual knowing I was leaving an imprint on them as well. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. This fall, I will be starting my next chapter, pursuing a nursing career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

The room was bustling with excitement for the afternoon session of bowling at Bay Pines’ Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center. Sitting amongst other retired soldiers, an older delicate 93-year-old was sitting hunched forward in his wheelchair. Stoically taking in his surroundings, his forehead covered deep in wrinkles with thinning grey hair atop his head. Too weak, too frail to return to independent living, he is here to make the most out of what is left with the rest of his life. Volunteering at the VA was a suggestion of my parents when I was looking to fulfil my time after softball season had ended. Little did I know the impact it would have on me. While most of my high school friends left the school day heading home to surf Instagram, I drove out to our local VA skilled nursing facility to volunteer. Tasked with assisting with the daily recreational activities from bowling to bingo, interacting with Veterans provided me enjoyment while teaching me lifelong lessons. From a simple smile to words of encouragement, assisting those who once served us showed me that simple acts of kindness leave a lasting impression. From holding the door at the grocery store to a smile exchanged with a random stranger, we have a choice on how we interact with others. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” Pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. This fall, I will be starting my next chapter, pursuing a nursing career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

The room was bustling with excitement for the afternoon session of bowling at Bay Pines’ Veteran’s Administration (VA) Community Living Center. Sitting amongst other retired soldiers, an older delicate 93-year-old was sitting hunched forward in his wheelchair. Stoically taking in his surroundings, his forehead covered deep in wrinkles with thinning grey hair atop his head. Too weak, too frail to return to independent living, he is here to make the most out of what is left with the rest of his life. His nursing aide sat next to him, providing encouragement as he engaged in the day’s bowling activity. I’d look over noting her smiling at him, rubbing his hand. He’d glance back at her. The two of them exchanging grins as they took in their surroundings. This carried on for the 90-minute session. It was evident in their interactions the level of trust that had been developed between the two of them and the compassionate care she provides to him. Looking to fill a void in my schedule, I had recently started to volunteer at the VA. Going into the nursing profession, the opportunity was encouraged by my parents to gain experience. Little did I know the impact it would have on me. Working with Veterans and staff reminded me of life lessons I’d learned growing up. From a young age, we were encouraged to treat others as you’d want to be treated. From empowering another teammate on the softball field or sitting quietly with a friend going through a difficult time. From a grin exchanged between two people to the friendly welcomed touch. Little gestures can have a vast impact on others. It requires one to be empathetic to any situation, regardless of if you agree with the situation. The interactions exchanged, both verbal and nonverbal, instilled in me that everyone deserves compassion regardless of a situation. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. We learned the art of being courageous, confident & compassionate about our interactions with others. Girl Scouts provided me with leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards, but also empowered me to be a better person. Nursing is not only a profession but a calling to serve others. Becoming a registered nurse feels natural. It’s where my path is destined to lead me. It will require commitment, adaptability and growth in providing the highest level of care. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those facing a terminal condition. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

As the world shut down due to COVID-19 in spring of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces seen at the front lines, having critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives and had an impact on my life during the pandemic as well. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in the community around me with pursuing a career in nursing. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Nursing is not only a profession but a calling to serve others. Becoming a registered nurse feels natural. It’s where my path is destined to lead me. It will require commitment, adaptability and growth in providing the highest level of care. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those facing a terminal condition. From a young age, I often looked up to my mom and her role as a nurse practitioner. Listening to stories told of her experiences and watching her interact with family members who have serious health conditions, has left me with a passion to make a difference in the lives of others as well. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Ideally, I would like to work in an intensive care unit gaining experience to return for my masters with the goal of being a nurse anesthetist. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

As the world shut down due to COVID-19 in spring of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces seen at the front lines, having critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives and had an impact on my life during the pandemic as well. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in the community around me with pursuing a career in nursing. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Nursing is not only a profession but a calling to serve others. Becoming a registered nurse feels natural. It’s where my path is destined to lead me. It will require commitment, adaptability and growth in providing the highest level of care. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those facing a terminal condition. From a young age, I often looked up to my mom and her role as a nurse practitioner. Listening to stories told of her experiences and watching her interact with family members who have serious health conditions, has left me with a passion to make a difference in the lives of others as well. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Ideally, I would like to work in an intensive care unit gaining experience to return for my masters with the goal of being a nurse anesthetist. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

As the world shut down due to COVID-19 in spring of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces seen at the front lines, having critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives and had an impact on my life during the pandemic as well. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in the community around me with pursuing a career in nursing. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Nursing is not only a profession but a calling to serve others. Becoming a registered nurse feels natural. It’s where my path is destined to lead me. It will require commitment, adaptability and growth in providing the highest level of care. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those facing a terminal condition. From a young age, I often looked up to my mom and her role as a nurse practitioner. Listening to stories told of her experiences and watching her interact with family members who have serious health conditions, has left me with a passion to make a difference in the lives of others as well. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Ideally, I would like to work in an intensive care unit gaining experience to return for my masters with the goal of being a nurse anesthetist. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

As the world shut down due to COVID-19 in spring of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces seen at the front lines, having critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives and had an impact on my life during the pandemic as well. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in the community around me with pursuing a career in nursing. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Nursing is not only a profession but a calling to serve others. Becoming a registered nurse feels natural. It’s where my path is destined to lead me. It will require commitment, adaptability and growth in providing the highest level of care. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those facing a terminal condition. From a young age, I often looked up to my mom and her role as a nurse practitioner. Listening to stories told of her experiences and watching her interact with family members who have serious health conditions, has left me with a passion to make a difference in the lives of others as well. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Ideally, I would like to work in an intensive care unit gaining experience to return for my masters with the goal of being a nurse anesthetist. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

As the world shut down due to COVID-19 in spring of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces seen at the front lines, having critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives and had an impact on my life during the pandemic as well. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in the community around me with pursuing a career in nursing. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Nursing is not only a profession but a calling to serve others. Becoming a registered nurse feels natural. It’s where my path is destined to lead me. It will require commitment, adaptability and growth in providing the highest level of care. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those facing a terminal condition. From a young age, I often looked up to my mom and her role as a nurse practitioner. Listening to stories told of her experiences and watching her interact with family members who have serious health conditions, has left me with a passion to make a difference in the lives of others as well. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Ideally, I would like to work in an intensive care unit gaining experience to return for my masters with the goal of being a nurse anesthetist. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

From the magnificent rumble of a gushing waterfall to the quiet whisper of leaves or a wonderous colors in a sinking sunset, God’s creation is an amazing masterpiece. Over the past 7 years, I’ve attended weeklong Christian summer camps in the blue ridge mountains of North Carolina mountains. From hiking the Appalachian trail to sitting at the pinnacle overlooking the mountainous terrain, I leave each week renewed of my relationship with Jesus. His handiwork is much more than just a picturesque scene. It’s the foundation for our life. From the food we eat, to the drinks we consume or the air we breathe. From the moment of conception, it is part of who each one of us are. This past year, a member of our family was faced with an ethical dilemma as their son was found to have a congenital heart defect while pregnant and strongly urged to terminate the pregnancy. The decision was made to carry through with the pregnancy and we welcomed Beckett into this world last June. He was blessed with a heart transplant in February, came home to his family the following month. Sadly, God called him home end of May one week prior to his 1st birthday. Most see this story as tragic and left with numerous questions, however God chose to bless Beckett with an amazing family that loved him for his short time on Earth. This fall I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL with the plan to become a registered nurse, returning for my masters ultimately becoming a nurse anesthetist. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Together with my Christian faith, I am confident God has a plan for me. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. It requires one to stand firm in their faith and not timid in sharing their beliefs with others. Without a doubt, I am certain that God chose me to minister to others through the nursing profession.

From the magnificent rumble of a gushing waterfall to the quiet whisper of leaves or a wonderous colors in a sinking sunset, God’s creation is an amazing masterpiece. Over the past 7 years, I’ve attended weeklong Christian summer camps in the blue ridge mountains of North Carolina mountains. From hiking the Appalachian trail to sitting at the pinnacle overlooking the mountainous terrain, I leave each week renewed of my faith in God. His handiwork is much more than just a picturesque scene. It’s the foundation for our life. From the food we eat, to the drinks we consume or the air we breathe. From the moment of conception, it is part of who each one of us are. This past year, a member of our family was faced with an ethical dilemma as their son was found to have a congenital heart defect while pregnant and strongly urged to terminate the pregnancy. The decision was made to carry through with the pregnancy and we welcomed Beckett into this world last June. He was blessed with a heart transplant in February, came home to his family the following month. Sadly, God called him home end of May one week prior to his 1st birthday. Most see this story as tragic and left with numerous questions, however God chose to bless Beckett with an amazing family that loved him for his short time on Earth. This fall I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL with the plan to become a registered nurse, returning for my masters ultimately becoming a nurse anesthetist. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Together with my Christian faith, I am confident God has a plan for me. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. It requires one to stand firm in their faith and not timid in sharing their beliefs with others. Without a doubt, I am certain that God chose me to minister to others through the nursing profession.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to COVID-19 in spring of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces seen at the front lines, having critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives and had an impact on my life during the pandemic as well. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in the community around me with pursuing a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Dedication to my studies has been extremely important to me, always striving for the best. Not only was I in the top ten of 350+ students for my high school, but I successfully completed 26 credit hours through dual enrollment of a local community college starting my college with a 4.0 GPA. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Fall of 2024 I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

The room was bustling with excitement for the afternoon session of bowling at Bay Pines’ Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center. Sitting amongst other retired soldiers, an older delicate 93-year-old was sitting hunched forward in his wheelchair. Stoically taking in his surroundings, his forehead covered deep in wrinkles with thinning grey hair atop his head. Too weak, too frail to return to independent living, he is here to make the most out of what is left with the rest of his life. I sat and observed him and others during a recent volunteer experience at our local VA. Most recently I read by the book “The Women” sharing fictional stories of some of the women soldiers that served during the Vietnam Era. Thinking about the obstacles and challenges they faced, returning home unwelcomed by society, validated my plan to pursue a nursing career. One day I hope to serve those that have once served us. As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. Tending to patients needs allows one to be mindful not only of their physical needs but allows you to address their spiritual needs as well. COVID era not only impacted my dad with being sick, but I also developed social anxiety. Without my trust in God, I do not feel I would have the positive outcome that I’ve had. One day I hope to inspire others of the positivity and determination that one can accomplish any goals they set their mind to. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Fall of 2024 I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to COVID-19 in spring of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces seen at the front lines, having critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives and had an impact on my life during the pandemic as well. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in the community around me with pursuing a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Fall of 2024 I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to COVID-19 in spring of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces seen at the front lines, having critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives and had an impact on my life during the pandemic as well. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in the community around me with pursuing a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Fall of 2024 I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

Thunderstorms are often associated with fear, despair, and violence. They insist of rage filled clouds in the sky that threaten to blow over unsuspecting places. Some spawn tornadoes or are produced from powerful hurricanes. Devastation always follows place, due to the number of accidents and fallen trees that happen during those storms. I’ve always associated the downfall of my mental health with those powerful storms. The pain that my social anxiety has given me will always remind me of thunderstorms, but I always remember that after the worst storms come the most beautiful rainbows. I began my fight for my mental health during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did all my social connections. Aside through communicating with others through screens, I couldn’t talk to people other than my immediate family for months. This absolutely devastated me, and my social anxiety continued to grow from this isolation from the world. As a result, when I returned to school during my sophomore year of high school, I was petrified. My first day of high school in person was horrifying. I felt lost, disconnected from society, and hopeless. As I began the healing aspect of my journey, I found it significant to surround myself with people that supported me. I connected with others that had similar interests and slowly bonded through music. Even though it may seem stereotypical for teenage girls, we found joy in Taylor Swift’s music. Her aspirating lyrics and positive melodies in her songs inspired us to try our best no matter what. Whenever I felt like my anxiety was starting to take over, I would start playing her upbeat songs and felt those worries wash away. Just as music was an uplifting and important part of my recovery, exercise was also an important outlet. Joining two softball teams enabled me to build the confidence in myself while supporting my teammates. Cross training with cycling and strength classes has also allowed me to continue to release serotonin making my mental health a priority. As my thunderstorm of life slowly started to dissipate, I felt my personal rainbow shine. I became a brand-new person and conquered my anxiety. Since then, I’ve been able to easily make friends and have reconnected spiritually with God. The friends I’ve met along the way have brought joy into my life, giving me something to look forward to. Even though my anxiety comes back occasionally, I have learned to accept it and have found positive coping skills that I will take with me to college. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best personal possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met my people that encourage me to perform my best. In the fall, I will be beginning my college journey towards a nursing career. Without a doubt, I know my personal experience can be used to help guide my future patients through difficulties in their lives. Even though COVID-19 was a horrifying time to live through, I’m thankful that it unleashed the thunderstorms I got to beat.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Fall of 2024 I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

Thunderstorms are often associated with fear, despair, and violence. They insist of rage filled clouds in the sky that threaten to blow over unsuspecting places. Some spawn tornadoes or are produced from powerful hurricanes. Devastation always follows place, due to the number of accidents and fallen trees that happen during those storms. I’ve always associated the downfall of my mental health with those powerful storms. The pain that my social anxiety has given me will always remind me of thunderstorms, but I always remember that after the worst storms come the most beautiful rainbows. I began my fight for my mental health during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did all my social connections. Aside through communicating with others through screens, I couldn’t talk to people other than my immediate family for months. This absolutely devastated me, and my social anxiety continued to grow from this isolation from the world. As a result, when I returned to school during my sophomore year of high school, I was petrified. My first day of high school in person was horrifying. I felt lost, disconnected from society, and hopeless. As I began the healing aspect of my journey, I found it significant to surround myself with people that supported me. I connected with others that had similar interests and slowly bonded through music. Even though it may seem stereotypical for teenage girls, we found joy in Taylor Swift’s music. Her aspirating lyrics and positive melodies in her songs inspired us to try our best no matter what. Whenever I felt like my anxiety was starting to take over, I would start playing her upbeat songs and felt those worries wash away. Just as music was an uplifting and important part of my recovery, exercise was also an important outlet. Joining two softball teams enabled me to build the confidence in myself while supporting my teammates. Cross training with cycling and strength classes has also allowed me to continue to release serotonin making my mental health a priority. As my thunderstorm of life slowly started to dissipate, I felt my personal rainbow shine. I became a brand-new person and conquered my anxiety. Since then, I’ve been able to easily make friends and have reconnected spiritually with God. The friends I’ve met along the way have brought joy into my life, giving me something to look forward to. Even though my anxiety comes back occasionally, I have learned to accept it and have found positive coping skills that I will take with me to college. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best personal possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met my people that encourage me to perform my best. In the fall, I will be beginning my college journey towards a nursing career. Without a doubt, I know my personal experience can be used to help guide my future patients through difficulties in their lives. Even though COVID-19 was a horrifying time to live through, I’m thankful that it unleashed the thunderstorms I got to beat.

The room was bustling with excitement for the afternoon session of bowling at Bay Pines’ Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center. Sitting amongst other retired soldiers, an older delicate 93-year-old was sitting hunched forward in his wheelchair. Stoically taking in his surroundings, his forehead covered deep in wrinkles with thinning grey hair atop his head. Too weak, too frail to return to independent living, he is here to make the most out of what is left with the rest of his life. I sat and observed him and others during a recent volunteer experience at our local VA. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Fall of 2024 I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

Thunderstorms are often associated with fear, despair, and violence. They insist of rage filled clouds in the sky that threaten to blow over unsuspecting places. Some spawn tornadoes or are produced from powerful hurricanes. Devastation always follows place, due to the amount of accidents and fallen trees that happen during those storms. I’ve always associated the downfall of my mental health with those powerful storms. The pain that my social anxiety has given me will always remind me of thunderstorms, but I always remember that after the worst storms come the most beautiful rainbows. I began my fight for my mental health during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did all my social connections. Aside through communicating with others through screens, I couldn’t talk to people other than my immediate family for months. This absolutely devastated me, and my social anxiety continued to grow from this isolation from the world. As a result, when I returned to school during my sophomore year of high school, I was petrified. My first day of high school in person was horrifying. I felt lost, disconnected from society, and hopeless. As my journey continued, I slowly started to branch out and make friends. My first friend in high school was an older girl named Rachel. Even though she had the same issues as me, we slowly bonded over time and found ourselves fighting our mental illnesses together through music. Even though it may seem stereotypical for teenage girls, we found joy in Taylor Swift’s music. Her aspirating lyrics and positive melodies in her songs inspired us to try our best no matter what. Whenever I felt like my anxiety was starting to take over, I would start playing her upbeat songs and felt those worries wash away. As my thunderstorm of life slowly started to dissipate, I felt my personal rainbow shine. I became a brand-new person and conquered my anxiety. Since then, I’ve been able to easily make friends and have reconnected spiritually with God. The friends I’ve met along the way have brought joy into my life, giving me something to look forward to. Even though my anxiety comes back occasionally, I have learned to accept it and have found positive coping skills. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best personal possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met my people that encourage me to perform my best. In the fall, I will be beginning my college journey towards a nursing career. Without a doubt, I know my personal experience can be used to help guide my future patients through difficulties in their lives. Even though COVID-19 was a horrifying time to live through, I’m thankful that it unleashed the thunderstorms I got to beat. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Fall of 2024 I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Dating back to the third grade, making “the world a better place” has been a core key concept that has been encouraged as a Girl Scout. Recently I earned my Girl Scout Gold Award for the project “Badge in a Box” I created focused on decreasing the amount of technology children are using while promoting age-appropriate outdoor activities. I devised step-by-step instructions focusing on three subject themes included in the box: Art, Space, and the Ecosystem. The project taught me how to be a good leader while mentoring children in my community. I devised online resources to promote sustainability. To date there is over 1900 international members. I finished my Gold Award feeling proud and accomplished knowing I’m impacting numerous communities with the focus on our great outdoors. It’s been a passion of mine to leave my imprint on a community that has impacted my upbringing and turned me into the person I am today. Having embarked on the Gold Award process, it’s encouraged me to do my best & motivated me to be the best version of myself. I developed the confidence to be assertive and speak up for what I believe in. It’s also taught me to be patient and adaptive, as things don’t always go as planned. I believe all of these skills have helped me grow & mature as an individual and excited to see how they impact my future nursing career as a nurse. Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others, has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. Fall of 2024 I will be starting the Freshman Nursing Pathway Program at The University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized returning home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love to suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards sets the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. Achieving this distinguished award demonstrates my ultimate potential knowing only 5.4% of Girl Scouts achieve this award. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world.

Thunderstorms are often associated with fear, despair, and violence. They insist of rage filled clouds in the sky that threaten to blow over unsuspecting places. Some spawn tornadoes or are produced from powerful hurricanes. Devastation always follows place, due to the amount of accidents and fallen trees that happen during those storms. I’ve always associated the downfall of my mental health with those powerful storms. The pain that my social anxiety has given me will always remind me of thunderstorms, but I always remember that after the worst storms come the most beautiful rainbows. I began my fight for my mental health during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did all my social connections. Aside through communicating with others through screens, I couldn’t talk to people other than my immediate family for months. This absolutely devastated me, and my social anxiety continued to grow from this isolation from the world. As a result, when I returned to school during my sophomore year of high school, I was petrified. My first day of high school in person was horrifying. I felt lost, disconnected from society, and hopeless. As my journey continued, I slowly started to branch out and make friends. My first friend in high school was an older girl named Rachel. Even though she had the same issues as me, we slowly bonded over time and found ourselves fighting our mental illnesses together through music. Even though it may seem stereotypical for teenage girls, we found joy in Taylor Swift’s music. Her aspirating lyrics and positive melodies in her songs inspired us to try our best no matter what. Whenever I felt like my anxiety was starting to take over, I would start playing her upbeat songs and felt those worries wash away. As my thunderstorm of life slowly started to dissipate, I felt my personal rainbow shine. I became a brand-new person and conquered my anxiety. Since then, I’ve been able to easily make friends and have reconnected spiritually with God. The friends I’ve met along the way have brought joy into my life, giving me something to look forward to. Even though my anxiety comes back occasionally, I have learned to accept it and have found positive coping skills. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best personal possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met my people that encourage me to perform my best. In the fall, I will be beginning my college journey towards a nursing career. Without a doubt, I know my personal experience can be used to help guide my future patients through difficulties in their lives. Even though COVID-19 was a horrifying time to live through, I’m thankful that it unleashed the thunderstorms I got to beat.

Thunderstorms are often associated with fear, despair, and violence. They insist on rageful clouds in the sky that threaten to blow over unsuspecting places. Some spawn tornadoes or are produced by powerful hurricanes. Devastation always follows place, due to the amount of accidents and fallen trees that happen during those storms. My mental health deterioration I’ve associated with these powerful storms. The pain that my social anxiety has given me will always remind me of thunderstorms, remembering that after the worst storms come the most beautiful rainbows. I began my fight for my mental health during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did all my social connections. With my mother being a healthcare provider and my father hospitalized with COVID-19 in 12/2020, our family took COVID precautions and isolation to an extreme. Aside from communicating with others via technology on screens, aside from my immediate family I didn’t talk to people in person. Although some feel living a simple life is fine, this devastated me. My social anxiety continued to grow as a result of my isolation from the world. Returning to school in person after seventeen months of conducting my studies online, I was petrified. I returned to school as a sophomore at a new high school. Walking the hallways and navigating a new school that first day I was horrified. Starting to doubt myself, I constantly felt judged by my peers even though in their minds I was just another shy teenager. Due to physical symptoms acquired through my anxiety, with professional help, I learned how to recognize what my body was going through and ways to manage them. Just like storms make us prepare for extreme conditions, I too found healthy lifestyle changes that allowed me to conquer my mental health. Becoming physically active, and joining a softball team allowed me to release negative endorphins while having personal connections with others. Another was formulating strong friendships. As my thunderstorm of life slowly started to dissipate, I felt my rainbow shine. I felt like I had become a brand-new person since I conquered my anxiety for the better. Since then, I’ve been able to easily make friends and have bonded with God. During my final quest through calming the storm, I found God becoming a beacon of light to guide me through that journey. Furthermore, the friends I’ve met along the way have brought joy into my life, giving me something to look forward to. Even if it comes in waves, I’ve learned to accept it and am no longer afraid. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best person possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met the people who encourage me to perform my best at all times. I’m thankful that it unleashed the thunderstorms, allowing me to conquer them and live to share my experiences with others.

Thunderstorms are often associated with fear, despair, and violence. They insist on rageful clouds in the sky that threaten to blow over unsuspecting places. Some spawn tornadoes or are produced by powerful hurricanes. Devastation always follows place, due to the amount of accidents and fallen trees that happen during those storms. My mental health deterioration has been associated with these powerful storms. The pain that my social anxiety has given me will always remind me of thunderstorms, remembering that after the worst storms come the most beautiful rainbows. I began my fight for my mental health during the COVID-19 era. As the world shut down, so did all my social connections. With my mother being a healthcare provider and my father hospitalized with COVID-19 in 12/2020, our family took COVID precautions and isolation to an extreme. Aside from communicating with others via technology on screens, aside from my immediate family I didn’t talk to people in person. Although some feel living a simple life is fine, this devastated me. My social anxiety continued to grow as a result of my isolation from the world. Returning to school in person after seventeen months of conducting my studies online, I was petrified. I returned to school as a sophomore at a new high school. Walking the hallways and navigating a new school that first day I was horrified. My heart was racing, my stomach churning; I felt lost, disconnected from society, and hopeless. Starting to doubt myself, I constantly felt judged by my peers even though in their minds I was just another shy teenager. Due to physical symptoms acquired through my anxiety, with professional help, I learned how to recognize what my body was going through and ways to manage it. Just like storms make us prepare for extreme conditions, I too found healthy lifestyle changes that allowed me to conquer my mental health. Becoming physically active, and joining a softball team allowed me to release negative endorphins while having personal connections with others. Another was formulating solid friendships. As my journey continued, I slowly started to branch out and make friends. My first friend in high school was an older girl named Rachel. I quickly noticed she constantly beamed with life, even though she had the same issues as me. Through carpooling, we slowly bonded over time and found ourselves fighting our mental illnesses together through music. Even though it may seem stereotypical for teenage girls, we found joy in Taylor Swift’s music. Her aspirating lyrics and positive melodies in her songs inspired us to try our best no matter what. Whenever I felt like my anxiety was starting to take over, I would start playing her upbeat songs and feel those worries wash away. As my thunderstorm of life slowly started to dissipate, I felt my rainbow shine. I felt like I had become a brand-new person since I conquered my anxiety for the better. Since then, I’ve been able to easily make friends and have bonded with God. During my final quest through calming the storm, I found God becoming a beacon of light to guide me through that journey. Furthermore, the friends I’ve met along the way have brought joy into my life, giving me something to look forward to. Even though my anxiety comes back occasionally, I’ve learned to accept it and am no longer afraid. With all this in mind, I was to pursue a nursing career, knowing that I’d be able to use my personal experiences to help others through difficult storms in their lives. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All these qualities I exemplify. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world. I feel fortunate that I was able to take control of my inner storms and calm them. The rainbow that was set free constantly shines forth and allows me to be the best person possible. In some ways, I thank my anxiety for helping me branch out because I’ve met the people who encourage me to perform my best at all times. Even though COVID-19 was a horrifying time to live through, I’m thankful that it unleashed the thunderstorms, allowing me to conquer them and live to share my experiences with others.

Taylor Swift’s album 1989 is commonly known as The Pop Bible, due to its’ wholesome track list and optimistic hidden messages within each song. I too found encouragement within this album, and it has inspired my life for the better. While discovering my identity as a teenager during the COVID-19 pandemic, I started to rediscover who Taylor Swift was and what she meant to me. As a teenager with social anxiety, I felt as if she was always with me as I fought the battle for my mental health. Clean (Taylor’s Version) resembled my 2023 year because of my win over my anxiety. Clean (Taylor’s Version) has meant a lot to me throughout this current year not only because it celebrates another one of Taylor’s rerecordings, but it also means a lot to me. The chorus of the song sticks out to me the most because it reminds me of how accomplished I felt when I wasn’t affected by anxiety anymore. As Taylor Swift sings “the rain came pouring down when I was drownin', that's when I could finally breathe”, I felt as if it was similar to escaping those inner thoughts that anxiety curses you with. As the chorus continues with “gone was any trace of you, I think I am finally clean”, those inner thoughts have finally been removed from my brain, giving me a sense of freedom to live my life to its fullest potential. Not only does the chorus of Clean (Taylor’s Version) give me a sense of freedom, but the overall melody behind the masterpiece portrays a sense of relaxation. Throughout the entire song, the calm melody adds to the deep meaning behind the song. Even though Taylor intended it to be another one of her breakup songs, she admires the “fandom-wide meaning once she heard of it” according to genius.com. The instrumental version of the song is inspiring, even though it lacks the incredible lyrics of the song. When I first heard the instrumental version of Clean (Taylor’s Version), I immediately thought of the rainbow after a storm, and I also visualized it on a beach. The outdoors has always been a large part of my life, using nature to escape from reality. Once a thunderstorm passes it leaves behind a beautiful rainbow for all to enjoy. Throughout the lyrics and melody, I also feel a sense of realization and clarity, that once the storm of mental health passes it leaves a beautiful image in return. This resonates in me as I struggled with my mental health, I won while becoming a better person in return. I am grateful for Taylor Swift daily for making the struggles of my life a lot clearer, which is why I thoroughly enjoy her many different albums. 1989 has always been a favorite of mine due to the positivity behind the tracks, which is why Clean (Taylor’s Version) meant a lot to me. Not only did the positivity behind the track help me understand who I am, but the lyrics made my mental health battle seem easier. I have a lot to thank Taylor Swift for, but Clean (Taylor’s Version) of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) has to be the number one thing I’m thankful for.

Making the world a better place isn’t a simple task. However, that’s one of the main mottos of a Girl Scout, to make a difference in the world. Founder Juliette Gordon Low once said “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers”(1). When she created Girl Scouts, she envisioned girls all across the world impacting society for the better. Being a Girl Scout for 10+ years has allowed me to gain the leadership needed to be impactful and make the world a better place. When the phrase Girl Scouts is mentioned, most people immediately think of cookies. However, the organization is much more than that. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through the Girl Scout promise to “help people at all times”(2) . Girl Scouts are known for their high standards in developing skills to become confident and courageous individuals. Over the past ten years, it’s created a positive environment forming healthy relationships for me to grow as a person. Furthermore, it has provided multiple volunteer and leadership experiences to impact the community around me. As the Secretary of the Girl Advisory Board for my service unit, I’ve organized countless drives to help those in my community. My first drive helped the chronically hungry during birthdays (including their families). I named it the Birthday Bag, and all the donations went to a local organization called The Kind Mouse. As the Secretary, my unit also supported other organizations such as The Lion’s Club by collecting eyeglasses for their Recycle for Sight Program, impacting vision across the world. To this day, I’ve collected beyond 250 pairs of eyeglasses. Most recently, I completed my Gold Award the Badge in a Box, which is the highest award a Scout can receive. During the COVID pandemic, the youth turned to online platforms for socialization due to deteriorated personal connections. Therefore, the Badge in a Box project was created to promote getting outside away from screens while socializing with others in nature. Two prototype boxes were placed at a local Girl Scout camp and another at a local leadership center. Designed to be done outdoors, the project has step-by-step instructions to complete age-appropriate activities in three categories: Art, Science and the Ecosystem. Two different online resources were made to provide free sustainable resources. Furthermore, the project was also promoted at community centers across the nation in places like the library and nature preserves. Overall, this has reached over 1,300 Girl Scout leaders and parents! Members in the group come comprised of various locations across the fifty states, as well as members across the globe, including Puerto Rico, Germany, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia. Girl Scouts provided me with a strong framework from a young age for becoming a future leader of society. It’s helped to mold me into the humble person I am while focusing on making the world a better place. As I embark on my next chapter of pursuing a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others through nursing As the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community, as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. References: 1. https://scoutingweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PDF/Juliette%20Low%20Quotes%20Sheet.pdf 2. GSUSA_BlueBook.pdf (girlscouts.org)

Everyone remembers their first love. Mine was during gym class in elementary school on a wet and stormy day. Due to the inclement weather outside, all outdoor activities were brought inside the auditorium. It smelled like sweat and body odor, but the energy in the room was at an all-time high. The squeaking wet shoes moving along the floor were like heaven for a fifth grader. Jamming along to Just Dance, a karaoke-type game that people dance to, the music instantly changed my mood for the better. The pop songs that played over the cheap speaker spoke to me, and I let the music take over my feelings and thoughts. That’s when I heard “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift for the first time, and I instantly fell in love with her music. The lyrics conveyed inspiration and the motivation to be one’s best. But just as the rain calmed down, so did that love for music buried deep inside me once again. During my sophomore year in high school (2021), while sitting in my best friend’s car in the high school parking lot, the melodies of a song I had never heard before rekindled the feelings of that sweaty elementary auditorium. The song was titled “All Too Well” (10-minute version) and it immediately sparked something in my brain that I hadn’t felt in so long. The slow introduction was soothing to the soul, and the lyrics captivated me and helped me rediscover a part of myself that was lost. I know it’s silly how a song or artist can change lives, but Taylor has changed mine. Just as though a fifth grader found confidence, a 10th grader rediscovered who she truly is and her worth.  Taylor continues to captivate audiences ranging from pre-teens to 40-year-olds and beyond through her lyrics, as they relate to everyday life (breakups, story-telling or the loss of someone close to you). During the spring of 2023, I sat amongst a passionate group of Swifties at Raymond James Stadium and felt a sense of belonging. Standing in a sea of glitter, sparkle, bling, and arms filled with friendship bracelets, I felt like I was in the right place. Even though I had never met any of them, something sparked in me and I realized I was sitting amongst my people. The kindness and positivity in that stadium were nothing like I had experienced before. Taylor’s messages over her musical career encourage us to do our best.  We all know that life is not perfect – but it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey throughout life that creates a fantastic story. She’s made me a better person and continues to motivate me to do better for myself and the world I live in. I am currently in the process of completing my Gold Award, “Badge in a Box,” which will impact girls on a national level. Through Future Business Leaders of America, I have had the perseverance to compete at both district and state levels. Focused on academic achievement, leadership, service, and character, I serve as our chapter’s secretary in our National Honor Society. Taylor has encouraged me to be assertive and speak up for what I believe in. The optimistic outlook she instills in me impacts not just me in my leadership positions, but others who surround me including my family, friends, coworkers, and softball teammates. I’m excited and eager to see what the rest of my journey looks like when it unfolds.

Maya Angelou once said "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” As the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic in March of 2019, my interest in nursing began. Nurses were the faces we saw at the front lines with critical roles and responsibilities. They were crucial to the mission of saving lives across the world and had an impact on my life too. During December of 2020, my dad got a severe case of COVID, leading him to be hospitalized and returned home on oxygen. Not only does watching someone you love suffer from illness leave you helpless, but it also makes “the most wonderful time of the year” absolutely devastating. This unleashed a desire to help people in my community as well as a passion to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected careers in the world and is rewarding and challenging. Not only does it allow for both personal and professional growth, but it also allows for the human mind to grow more. Some feel growth in the nursing profession is due to the constant growth of society, while others feel the advancements in medical technology have increased the success rate of beating the battle with chronic illnesses. The profession offers job security and stability with a vast number of career options. Its purpose is held to high standards and focused on evidence-based research. It’s a career that is challenging, yet rewarding at the same time. As a young 3rd grader, I took a vow through Girl Scouts “to make the world a better place.” To pursue a career that is dedicated to helping and caring for others has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The characteristics that I acquired through Girl Scouts as well as the leadership skills learned through both my Silver and Gold Awards set the stage for what I am capable of pursuing in the future. During the COVID pandemic, I achieved my Silver Award in 9/2020 by creating song booklets and online resources of traditional Girl Scout songs. Most recently I completed my Gold Award by creating a “Badge in a Box” prototype. They are physical boxes created for children (ages 5-18) to get outside away from screens and enjoy nature. Two boxes were placed at a local Girl Scout camp & another at a local leadership center. Designed to be done outdoors, the project has step-by-step instructions to complete age-appropriate activities in 3 categories: Art, STEM and ecosystem. Two different online resources (website & Facebook group) were made to provide free sustainable resources. The boxes were promoted nationally through Girl Scout leader Facebook groups & to the communities via flyers placed at nature centers and libraries. Within the first month of promoting the concept, there were over 1100 members added to the Facebook group. The final product demonstrated it’s worth pursuing something you are passionate about. Nurses are individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, problem solvers, detail-focused, and great communicators with a desire to learn. All of these qualities I exemplify. It requires one to be a good listener validating the thoughts of those who need to be heard, tuning in to non-verbal cues, educating those with serious disease states, and validating those accepting a terminal condition. I’m eager to start my nursing career and truly make a difference in the world.

Imagine standing in the middle of a field, clueless about what to do next, but anxious to survive. The emotions rushing through your veins make you feel hopeless yet motivated at the same time. However, during your time of confusion, a live audience is watching you suffer, and enjoying it. Everyone in the world should have the opportunity to watch The Hunger Games, because of the brutal stories it tells throughout the constant violence in the world. It leaves the reader feeling glued to their chair, unable to put the perfectly bound book down. The smell and feeling of the pages turning continue to lure them in as much as the captivating text. For example, when Katniss found Peeta next to the water in his camouflage, the reader felt a rush of relief come over them. Not only does the novel contain a fight to the death, but it also tells the story of two teenagers falling in love. Furthermore, the brutality of the novel also contributes to the passionate love these two face. Even though the main cause of care for each other is to survive, they end up not being able to kill each other in the very end, when there are only the two of them remaining in the battle for life. The Hunger Games easily changed the way I read novels, and I'm extremely grateful for the lessons the novel taught me about survival and love. People will do anything it takes to survive, as well as to maintain their love for that special someone.

Imagine sitting on a field of grass, watching the water from a stream nearby. It's raining lightly and there's a slight breeze, but you're too busy listening to the flow of nature. This is my greatest passion, being outdoors. I adore the simplicity of nature and how it easily thrives in the strangest conditions. If there was a competition for who got sick the most from being out in the rain, I would easily destroy the competition. I have dedicated albums on my phone to my nature photography. I find beauty in the simplest things, from the sunset to the way trees majestically move in the wind. I find it therapeutic and relaxing, which is why fresh air is one of my favorite things in the world. There aren't many things in the world that deserve to be treasured, but the flow of nature is one of them. The first thing a person encounters when they enter the world is the caring hands of their delivery nurse, then the skin of their mother. My mother has always been the most influential person in my life. She's the nicest person I know, and she is so empathetic towards others. Therefore, I've always looked up to her my entire life. Ever since I learned what a nurse was, I knew that's what I wanted to do with my life, to be more like my amazing mother. Just like her, I've always been an empathetic and caring person, and I believe I'd be the perfect person to take care of the sick and injured. Not only do I want to help people get through their diseases and injuries, but I want to help guide them throughout their future decisions in life. It's a very difficult career path, but I believe I'm the perfect person for it. Similar to how difficult nursing school will be, I anticipate encountering one main obstacle throughout my freshmen year of college; I don't know how to study. It's never been taught at my high school and I've always found success without studying. I'm a very smart student and have always found school to be easy, so I never found a need to study. Tests and quizzes have always come naturally to me. However, when it comes to standardized tests, I've always found myself struggling due to the unpredictable nature of them. Since I've never learned how to properly study, I found myself performing poorer than I usually do. Therefore, I'll be teaching myself how to study throughout my senior year in high school and my freshmen year of college. I want to be as successful as possible, so this will be my next step towards reaching that goal.